Effect of Brachystegia Eurycoma Flour Addition on the Physicochemical Properties of Whole Millet Flour and the Sensory Attributes of its Gluten-Free Bread

Abstract

This study evaluated the effect of addition of Brachystegia eurycoma flour (BEF), a natural source of hydrocolloids, on the physicochemical properties of whole millet flour (WMF) and the sensory attributes of its gluten-free bread. BEF and sodium carboxylmethyl cellulose (a reference hydrocolloid) were added to WMF at 1.5 and 3% proportions, and breads were baked from the blends. Wheat flour (100%CWF) bread served as the control. Amylose level decreased significantly ( p < 0.05), while water absorption capacity, peak and final viscosities of the blends increased with increasing proportion of BEF. The 100%CWF bread had better sensory qualities than WMF-BEF breads. Hence, BEF improved the physicochemical properties of WMF-BEF blend, but did not alter the sensory qualities of its gluten-free bread.