Effect of sourdough fermentation on the quality of Chinese Northern-style steamed breads

The effect of spontaneous and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) fermentation (Lactobacillus plantarum (LP), Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis (LS), Lactobacillus brevis (LBr) and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp bulgaricus (LB) strains) on the specific volume, crumb texture, volatiles profile and other aspects of steamed bread quality were studied. The addition of sourdough starter significantly decreased dough water absorption, development time and stability while increasing steam bread specific volume. The fermentation with LAB starters reached the desired pH 4 five times faster than the spontaneous starters. Steamed bread leavened with LS and LB starters had the softest crumb texture whereas LP and LBr starters produced the lowest setback viscosity. From the total of 77 compounds identified in sourdough steamed bread, ethanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol were the most abundant. All sourdough steamed breads had 22 compounds in common, which represented about 90% of the total peak area. But unique volatile compounds were present in sourdough steamed bread with different starters.