Quality of Dough and Bread Prepared with Sea Salt or Sodium Chloride

Technological and Nutritional Aspects of Bread Production: An Overview of Current Status and Future Challenges

Bakery products, especially bread, exist in many homes worldwide. One of the main reasons for its high consumption is that the main raw material is wheat, a cereal that can adapt to a wide variety of soils and climates. However, the nutritional quality of this raw material decreases during its industrial processing, decreasing the value of fibers, proteins, and minerals. Therefore, bread has become a product of high interest to increase its nutritional value. Due to the high consumption of bread, this paper provides a general description of the physicochemical and rheological changes of the dough, as well as the sensory properties of bread by incorporating alternative flours such as beans, lentils, and soy (among others). The reviewed data show that alternative flours can improve fiber, macro, and micronutrient content. The high fiber content reduces the quality of the texture of the products. However, new processing steps or cooking protocols, namely flour proportions, temperature, cooking, and fermentation time, can allow adjusting production variables and optimization to potentially overcome the decrease in sensory quality and preserve consumer acceptance.

Natural Antioxidant Potential of Melon Peels for Fortified Foods

Agricultural and food waste recycling reduces natural resource losses, contributing significantly to the development of new green markets through the creation of redesigned products. In order to cycle valuable molecules, the peels from Italian cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) cultivars were studied and successfully characterized for high-added biomolecules to verify their possible exploitation as wealthy biomasses. Peels were investigated for their cell wall-modifying and browning enzymes, as well as for total polyphenols, ortho-diphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and antioxidant properties. The results of the analyses displayed great promise in one of the three cultivars investigated. Later on, a preliminary study using the best peel extract as a dietary supplement was carried out by preparing fortified seawater to enhance its antioxidant power. The effects of storage time (60 days) were examined at two temperatures through the determination of the stability of the polyphenol content. The kinetic parameters of degradation were also calculated. The "enriched sea water" retained great antioxidant activity in refrigerated conditions, demonstrating that there is good potential for melon by-products to add their natural compounds for food fortification. These findings may provide valuable data for scale-up, from the lab to the pilot or industrial application.

The impacts of salt reduction strategies on technological characteristics of wheat bread: a review

Increased consumption of sodium is considered as the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and hypertension. Processed foods like bakery products are considered as the main source of sodium intake. Regarding the high consumption ratio of wheat bread, it is counted as the main contributor of sodium intake by the European food Safety Authorization and World Health Organization. Consequently, its salt reduction is considerably important to postpone adverse effects induced by sodium. Salt is used in wheat bread as a technological and sensory improver. Different salt reduction strategies (e.g. sodium free mineral salts, hollow salts, uneven salt distribution, amino acids and plant based salt boosters) had been assessed to reduce the sodium content in wheat bread. Despite their potential efficiency to partially imitate the technological and sensorial characteristics of salt in wheat breads, challenges also existed which may restrict their consumption level. Considering the importance of wheat bread in our daily diet, its high sodium content and the critical role of salt in its technological characteristics this study is aimed to review the influence of different salt reduction strategies in wheat bread from technological perspective.

Technological characteristics of sodium reduced wheat bread: Effects of fermentation type and partial replacement of salt with potassium chloride

Rheological, physicochemical, textural, and sensory characteristics of wheat bread prepared by potassium chloride (KCl) substitution of sodium chloride (NaCl) at different ratio (0:100, 10:90, 20:80, 30:70, 40:60, 50:50) in the presence of two different fermentation types (Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast starter (YSF) and mixed fermentation based on sourdough (MFSD)) were investigated. Considering the results obtained at this study, the technological characteristics change through KCl substitution ratio which depends on the type of fermentation. In other words, the enhanced activity of microflora in MFSD-fermented samples and decreased activity of yeast in YSF-fermented ones have been found by increasing the ratio of KCl incorporation level. Despite the increased activity of starter microflora in MFSD-fermented samples through increasing the KCl incorporation level, the lowest specific volume (p < .05) is found in SD50 (containing 50%w/w KCl in the presence of MFSD) with a quantity equal to 1.71 ± 0.47 cm3/g confirming its inability to restore gases. No significant difference has been found in KCl substitution levels up to 20%w/w in YSF-fermented samples (Y20) with control (p ≥ .05). The lowest crumb lightness (L*) (65.27 ± 0.12), highest cohesiveness (1.31 ± 0.07 mm), and springiness (0.76 ± 0.01) is also found in Y20. Considering sensory characteristics perception, no significant difference has been found in textural characteristics perception of Y10 and Y20 containing KCl at 10%w/w and 20% w/w, respectively, in the presence of YSF with control sample (Y). The overall acceptability is also found to be more influenced by texture perception(r = 0.827, p < .00).

Mitigation of Acrylamide Content in Biscuits through Combined Physical and Chemical Strategies

Acrylamide in biscuits represents a major concern. This research work was aimed at modifying the current formulation of biscuits to reduce the acrylamide content while maintaining the chemical, physical, and sensory characteristics of the original product. A strategy based on the FoodDrinkEurope Acrylamide Toolbox was adopted. The content of the leavening agent ammonium bicarbonate, the baking temperature program, and the time duration of steam released during the baking process were the three factors evaluated through a factorial design of experiment. The partial replacement of ammonium bicarbonate (from 9.0 g to 1.5 g per 500 g of flour) with sodium bicarbonate (from 4.5 g to 12.48 g), lowering of the temperature in the central phase of the baking process (from 170 °C to 150 °C), and the release of steam for 3 min resulted in an 87.2% reduction in acrylamide concentration compared to biscuits of reference. CIELab color indices and a_w were the parameters that showed the most significant correlation with acrylamide concentration in biscuits and could, therefore, become markers to predict the acrylamide content along production lines for an instant evaluation.

The Effect of Sea Salt with Low Sodium Content on Dough Rheological Properties and Bread Quality

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of the addition of sea salt with low sodium content (SS) in a refined wheat flour at the levels of 0.3%, 0.6%, 0.9% 1.2% and 1.5% on the rheological properties of the dough during mixing, extension, pasting and fermentation and the bread quality in terms of bread physical properties, crumb and crust color, texture and sensory characteristics. According to the data we obtained, the SS presented a strengthening effect on the dough network by increasing its stability, dough development time, energy and resistance. Moreover, the SS addition resulted in an increase in dough extensibility, to a delay of the gelatinization process and an increase of the falling number value. The bakery products obtained with the SS were of a higher quality compared to the control sample, presenting better physical and textural characteristics, a darker color and being more appreciated by consumers with the increased level of SS addition in the wheat flour. According to the sodium content from the bread recipe, the bread samples obtained may be classified as products with a very low sodium content of up to a 0.6% SS addition in the wheat flour or with a low sodium content if at least 0.9% SS is contained in the bread recipe.

Acrylamide in Bakery Products: A Review on Health Risks, Legal Regulations and Strategies to Reduce Its Formation

Acrylamide is a contaminant as defined in Council Regulation (EEC) No 315/93 and as such, it is considered a chemical hazard in the food chain. The toxicity of acrylamide has been acknowledged since 2002, among its toxicological effects on humans being neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and reproductive toxicity. Acrylamide has been classified as carcinogenic in the 2A group, with human exposure leading to progressive degeneration of the peripheral and central nervous systems characterized by cognitive and motor abnormalities. Bakery products (bread, crispbread, cakes, batter, breakfast cereals, biscuits, pies, etc.) are some of the major sources of dietary acrylamide. The review focuses on the levels of acrylamide in foods products, in particular bakery ones, and the risk that resulting dietary intake of acrylamide has on human health. The evolving legislative situation regarding the acrylamide content from foodstuffs, especially bakery ones, in the European Union is discussed underlining different measures that food producers must take in order to comply with the current regulations regarding the acrylamide levels in their products. Different approaches to reduce the acrylamide level in bakery products such as the use of asparginase, calcium salts, antioxidants, acids and their salts, etc., are described in detail.

Strategies for Reducing Sodium Intake in Bakery Products, a Review

Nowadays, the dietary sodium chloride intake is higher than the daily recommended levels, especially due to its prominent presence in food products. This may cause an increase of high blood pressure leading to cardiovascular diseases. Cereal products, and in particular bread, are the main source of salt in human diet. However, salt is a critical ingredient in bread making, and its reduction can have a negative impact on bread quality. This review focuses on physiological role of sodium chloride, its effect on the human body and legislative recommendations on its consumption. Moreover, it presents sodium chloride effects on the bread making from the technological and sensory point of view and presents different options for salt reduction in foods focusing on bakery products. It may be concluded that salt reduction in bread making while maintaining dough rheological properties, yeast fermentation rate, bread quality through its loaf volume, color, textural properties, sensory characteristics is difficult to be achieved due to sodium chloride’s multifunctional role in the bread-making process. Several strategies have been discussed, focusing on sodium chloride replacement with other type of salts, dry sourdough and flavor enhancers.

The Effect of Sea Salt, Dry Sourdough and Fermented Sugar as Sodium Chloride Replacers on Rheological Behavior of Wheat Flour Dough

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of formulation factors, sea salt (SS), dry sourdough (SD) and fermented sugar (FS) as sodium chloride replacers in wheat flour on dough mixing, extension, pasting and fermentation rheological properties, evaluated by Farinograph, Extensograph, Amylograph and Rheofermentometer devices. With regard to mixing and extension properties, SS and FS presented a strengthening effect, whereas SD presented a weakening one. SS and FS presented a positive effect on dough stability, energy and resistance, whereas SD presented a negative one. On the Amylograph, peak viscosity increased by SS and FS addition and decreased when SD was incorporated in the dough recipe. During fermentation, dough development and gas production in the dough system increased after SS and SD addition, whereas they decreased after FS addition. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to investigate the effect of independent variables on the rheological properties of the dough. Mathematical models between the independent variables, SS, SD and FS, and the dependent variables, represented by the rheological values of the dough, were obtained. The best formulation obtained was of 0.30 g/100 g SS, 0.50 g/100 g SD and 1.02 mL/100 g FS addition with a 0.618 desirability value, following Derringer's desirability function approach. For this formulation, bread quality characteristics were better appreciated than for those obtained for the control sample, in which 1.5% NaCl was incorporated in wheat flour.

Development of Durum Wheat Breads Low in Sodium Using a Natural Low-Sodium Sea Salt

Durum wheat is widespread in the Mediterranean area, mainly in southern Italy, where traditional durum wheat breadmaking is consolidated. Bread is often prepared by adding a lot of salt to the dough. However, evidence suggests that excessive salt in a diet is a disease risk factor. The aim of this work is to study the effect of a natural low-sodium sea salt (Saltwell^®) on bread-quality parameters and shelf-life. Bread samples were prepared using different levels of traditional sea salt and Saltwell^®. The loaves were packaged in modified atmosphere conditions (MAPs) and monitored over 90 days of storage. No significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found in specific volumes and bread yield between the breads and over storage times, regardless of the type and quantity of salt used. Textural data, however, showed some significant differences (p ≤ 0.01) between the breads and storage times. 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is considered, nowadays, as an emerging ubiquitous processing contaminant; bread with the lowest level of Saltwell^® had the lowest HMF content, and during storage, a decrease content was highlighted. Sensory data showed that the loaves had a similar rating (p ≤ 0.05) and differed only in salt content before storage. This study has found that durum wheat bread can make a nutritional claim of being "low in sodium" and "very low in sodium".

The Effect of Sodium Reduction by Sea Salt and Dry Sourdough Addition on the Wheat Flour Dough Rheological Properties

The aim of this research was to investigate a technological approach to decrease the sodium content from bakery products in order to respond to the World Health Organization (WHO)'s recommendation to reduce dietary salt intake. Due to the fact that sodium chloride is one of the main ingredients from baking products that affects dough rheology and therefore the technological process of the bakery products, it is important to evaluate these properties. This study analyzes the effect of sea salt with low sodium content (SS) and dry sourdough from wheat flour (SD) as substitutes for sodium chloride on dough rheological properties and on mixing, extension, pasting, and fermentation process by using Farinograph, Extensograph, Amylograph, Falling Number, and Rheofermentometer devices. The results were analyzed using response surface methodology. SS presented a strengthening effect on the gluten network whereas SD presented a weakening one. On extension properties, SS and SD presented a significant positive effect (p < 0.01) on resistance to extension (R50) and maximum resistance to extension (Rmax) values. For pasting properties, SS increased peak viscosity and falling number values whereas SD decreased them. On fermentation properties, SS decreased the maximum height of gaseous production and total CO2 volume production and increased the retention coefficient whereas SD presented an antagonistic effect on these parameters.

Effect of Salt Reduction on Children's Acceptance of Bread

Salt reduction is becoming a major concern for public authorities, especially in cereal products. As childhood is important for the development of healthy eating habits, this study aimed to formulate salt-reduced breads with satisfying sensory properties for children. Sourdough and an artisanal bread-making process were used to compensate the flavor loss due to salt reduction. French breads (FBs) made with sourdough and artisanal processing were compared with white breads (WBs). Two salt levels were applied (1.2 and 1.8 g /100 g flour). To determine their acceptability and characterization, the four breads were assessed (i) by an adult panel (n = 39) according to cohesiveness, overall odor intensity, overall aroma in the mouth and saltiness intensity and (ii) a panel of children (n = 100, aged 6 to 11 years) according to overall liking and saltiness intensity. Finally, consumption by children (n = 89, aged 6 to 11 years) was measured during school lunch to evaluate the acceptability of salt reduction in a real consumption context. Both formulation and salt level induced physical and sensory changes in breads perceived by adults. They described WB as less dense, cohesive, and aromatic but more odorant than FB. Saltiness differences were perceived by adults but not by children. Children showed a preference for the saltiest breads and the FB but these drivers of preference were not confirmed during consumption measurements. These results shed new light on how natural solutions to enhance the flavor of bread can reduce its salt level while maintaining acceptability.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

Salt reduction in bread could be compensated by the use of sourdough and an artisanal bread-making process. These methods allow an improvement of the nutritional quality of breads while maintaining their acceptance by young consumers by favoring the development of appealing organoleptic characteristics (aroma, texture). These methods are natural, easy to implement, and could be adapted to other fermented products in order to improve their nutritional quality.

Substitution of sodium chloride by salt microspheres in dough: Effect on dough rheological properties

This research aimed to evaluate the impact of different salts on dough rheology parameters and gas cell development during dough preparation. Three types of salts in four concentrations each were used in dough preparation and following analyses were conducted: sodium content, salt structure analysis, dough hardness, dough stickiness and dough image analysis. The research showed how significantly (p < .05) the measured properties of dough can be influenced by the used type of salt, salt concentrations and fermentation time. The emphasis is put on salt substitutes of hollow microsphere salt (Hs) substitutes due to its special physical characteristics. The uniqueness of Hs physical characteristics was confirmed by electron microscope photomicrographs. The gained results are indicating that even low changes in salt concentration (0.40; 0.30; 0.25; and 0.15) make noticeable changes in dough characteristics. The usage of salt substitutes in food industry has been constantly growing and it makes the research a valuable source of information for further application of this salts.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The different salt types (table-Ts, sea-Ss and hollow microsphere-Hs) which were studied in our work differ just slightly. However, an important issue in choosing salt should also be the nutritive perspective, in particular low sodium content as a preventive measure against cardio-vascular diseases. Hs and Ss are therefore suitable alternatives to typical Ts.