Processing strategies to improve the breadmaking potential of whole-grain wheat and non-wheat flours

Abstract

AbstractStrategies to increase the bio-functionality of staple food, such as bread, by incorporating whole-grain wheat flour or flour from other, non-wheat grains instead of refined wheat flour are often constrained with the lack of their techno-functionality, despite the associated beneficial effect on consumers' health and well-being. Most of the available studies investigating the possibilities to improve technological and sensory quality of bread prepared using whole-grain wheat and non-wheat flours still rely on formulation approaches in which different additives and novel ingredients are used as structuring agents. Less attention has been given to technological approaches which could be applied to induce structural changes on biopolymer level and thus increase the breadmaking potential of whole grains such as: modification of grain and biopolymers structure by germination, flour particle size reduction, dry-heat or hydrothermal treatment, atmospheric cold plasma, high-pressure processing or ultrasound treatment. Strategies to modify processing variables during breadmaking like dough kneading and hydration modification, sourdough fermentation or non-conventional baking techniques application are also poorly exploited for bread preparation from non-wheat grains. In this paper, the challenges and opportunities of abovementioned processing strategies for the development of bread with whole-wheat flours and non-wheat flours from underutilised gluten-containing or gluten-free cereals and pseudocereals will be reviewed throughout the whole breadmaking chain: from grain to bread and from milling to baking. Feasibility of different strategies to increase the technological performance and sensory quality of bread based on whole-grain wheat flours or flours from other, non-wheat grains will be addressed considering both the environmental, safety and nutritive advantages.