Quality of wheat-cassava bread as affected by selected improvers

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate some common bread improvers (normally used for 100 per cent wheat bread) for their effect on the quality attributes of wheat-cassava (90:10) composite bread. Design/methodology/approach – Four commonly used bread improvers (ASA, ABT, EDC and PTB) in Nigeria were evaluated for their effect on the baking potential of wheat-cassava (90:10) composite flour. Bread samples were baked from wheat-cassava (90:10) composite flour, with and without bread improvers. Changes in dough height during fermentation, oven spring, yield and specific volume of bread samples were determined. Bread samples were also evaluated for their sensory and staling characteristics. Findings – Results showed that dough height during fermentation did not change significantly (p<0.05) and crumb colour, firmness, taste and aroma were unaffected by addition of bread improvers; but oven spring, yield, specific volume, bread shape, crust colour, texture and overall acceptability of bread were significantly different (p>0.05). All the bread improvers except ABT extended the shelf life of wheat-cassava (90:10) composite bread for a period of 24-48 hours. Practical implications – Bread improvers normally used for 100 per cent wheat bread could be used effectively for wheat-cassava (90:10) composite bread without an adverse effect on quality of bread. Originality/value – Bread makers need little or no additional training to handle wheat-cassava (90:10) composite flour for bread making process hence, Nigeria can sustain her policy of using wheat-cassava composite flour for baking without any serious technical problem.