Wheat bran particle size effects on bread baking performance and quality

Abstract

Commercial hard red spring, hard red winter, soft white and durum wheat brans were used to evaluate the particle size effect of wheat bran on bread baking performance and bread sensory quality. Three different particle size bran samples were obtained from each bran by grinding, not by sifting, the bran samples. The bran samples were similar in chemical composition, but different in particle sizes. Results of baking experiments showed that breads containing fine bran had lower specific loaf volume and darker crumb colour than breads containing coarse or medium size bran. Sensory test panellists found that fine bran contributed smoother crust appearance and less gritty mouthfeel than the coarse bran. The sensory panel also indicated that breads containing soft white wheat bran had significantly better flavour and mouthfeel than breads containing hard red spring wheat bran.