Abstract

In this study, a nanatural fermentation starter formulation was developed for manufacturing bread products by substituting baker's yeast with naturally fermented raisin extract and sourdough. Four experimental groups containing 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10% naturally fermented raisin extract per 2,000 g of flour were compared based on quality characteristics, including the fermentation power on dough expansion, specific volume, baking loss, water activity, color, textural characteristics, and internal surface appearance. The activities of the naturally fermented raisin extract were examined in terms of pH changes, total titratable acidity, brix, and viable yeast counts. The raisin extract, which was cultured for 7 days at 30$^{\circ}C$, smelled of alcohol and produced $CO_2$. Yeast were also found in the extract after separation. As the incubation time of the raisin extract and sourdough increased, pH decreased, while total titratable acidity increased. The brix of the raisin extract increased until the $2^{nd}$ day of fermentation, and viable yeast counts increased until the $5^{th}$ day however, these gradually decreased by the $7^{th}$ day. The fermenting power on dough expansion increased in the bread with increasing incubation time. The bread samples containing 7.5% and 10% raisin extract had significantly higher specific volumes than the other samples. Baking loss was minimal with the 2.5% extract substitution. In analyzing the crumb, water activity, redness, and yellowness were highest in the 10.0% raisin extract bread samples, and lightness was maximal in the 5.0% group. In terms of textural characteristics, hardness was lowest with the 2.5% extract substitution. Gumminess, springiness, and chewiness were not significantly different among the bread samples. Cohesiveness was highest at the 7.5% extract substitution level, and resilience was lowest at the 10% level. In conclusion, based on the results, a natural fermentation starter formulated with 2.5% naturally fermented raisin extract (1 part raisins and 1.5 parts water) and 70% sourdough (1 part rye flour and 1 part water) has high potential as a baker's yeast substitute for making naturally fermented bread.

Keywords

• Natural fermentation starter;
• naturally fermented raisin extract;
• sourdough;
• rye mixed bread;
• fermentation power on dough expansion