Impact of sourdough on buckwheat flour, batter and bread: Biochemical, rheological and textural insights

In this study, the impact of sourdough fermentation on the biochemical, rheological and bread-making performances of buckwheat flour was investigated. In order to assess the effects of the solely acidification, a chemically acidified batter with the same pH of the sourdough was prepared. Extensive hydrolysis of the globulin fraction and release of small polypeptides occurred upon fermentation. A major reduction in the extent of interactions was observed in the sourdough, mainly due to the modification of the major structural components of buckwheat during the fermentation. The hydrolysis of proteins and, possibly, starch was in turn responsible for the major decrease in elasticity observed in the sourdough. In the batters destined for bread-making, the presence of acids was the major cause for reduced elasticity and increased strength, which could be related to the enhanced water-holding capacity of the proteins and/or protein/starch complexes. The addition of sourdough induced dramatic inhibition of the CO2 production by the baker’s yeasts during proofing, resulting in lower volume and harder crumb of the sourdough bread. On the other hand, the solely acidification induced hardening of the starch gel upon cooking, which was responsible for lower volume and irregular crumb grain in buckwheat bread.

► This is the first study on the impact of fermentation on the biochemical, rheological and bread-making properties of buckwheat flour.
► Fermentation results in proteins/starch modifications, which induce reduction of elasticity and network connectivity in buckwheat batter.
► Buckwheat sourdough inhibits baker's yeast activity, with consequent low bread volume and hard crumb.
► Selected fermentation can be applied to modify the biochemical and structural properties of buckwheat.