Effect of flour blending on functional, baking and organoleptic characteristics of bread

Soybean (full-fat and defatted) and barley flours were incorporated into wheat flour at 5, 10, 15 and 20% substitution levels. The gluten content, sedimentation value and water absorption capacity of the flour blends and the mixing time of the dough decreased with increase in the level of soybean and barley flour separately and in combinations. Protein and glutelin contents increased significantly on blending of soyflour (full-fat and defatted) to bread wheat flour. The breads prepared from the blends also varied in their loaf weight, loaf volume and sensory characteristics. The bread volume decreased with increasing amount of non-wheat flour substitution. The crumb colour changed from creamish white to dull brown and a gradual hardening of crumb texture was observed as the addition of soybean (full-fat and defatted) and barley flours increased. At the higher levels, the acceptability declined because of the compact texture of the crumb and the strong flavour of the product. The addition of 10% of soyflour (full-fat and defatted) or 15% of barley flour, full-fat soy + barley or defatted soy + barley flour to bread flour produced acceptable bread.