Functional properties of water-soluble non-starch polysaccharides from rice and ragi: Effect on dough characteristics and baking quality

Water-soluble non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) were isolated from native and malted rice and ragi. The effects of addition of water-soluble NSP on dough rheological characteristics and baking quality were investigated. Water-soluble NSP had low relative viscosity and showed no gelling activity despite considerable amount of ferulic acid (∼492.5–528.0 μg/g). However, they were found to stabilize protein foams against thermal disruption. Addition of water-soluble NSP (0.25 and 0.50%) to wheat flour resulted in increased water absorption and decreased dough development time. However, prolonged mixing resulted in slightly lower dough stability. Increase in dough extensibility and improvement in starch pasting characteristics were observed upon the addition of water-soluble NSP. Significant increase in loaf volume and softness of the bread was also observed. Water-soluble NSP both from malted rice and ragi had higher effect compared to the native one. Results showed that water-soluble NSP can be added to various low-fiber food preparations with positive dough functionality.