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There are several types of bread improver enzymes. Each adds unique properties to the dough and final product.
Amylase
Amylase is a common type of enzyme in bread improver. It breaks down starch into simple sugars like maltose and glucose. These sugars feed the yeast. This process helps the dough rise. There are two amylase types: alpha and beta-amylase. Alpha amylase breaks down starch into simpler sugars. It comes in useful when using flours with low enzyme activity.
Glucose oxidase
Glucose oxidase isi an enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid. This process helps form disulfide bonds between gluten proteins. This strengthens gluten and improving dough elasticity. In moderate amounts, glucose oxidase helps improve dough stability. It reduces the risk of excess early fermentation in dough. This extends shelf life. The enzyme is often extracted from Aspergillus fungi in vitro.
Curdlan
Curdlan copolymer is a linear glucose polymer made up of 1,3-beta-D-glucosidic bonds. It is produced by fermentation with the bacterium, Agrobacterium, or other species of bacteria. It acts as a gelling agent and stabilizer. In low-hydration systems (around 0.5% of the total flour weight), curdlan forms a gel network glue that traps air bubbles. This improves the crumb structure and volume of the final bread. In high-hydration systems (above 1%), curdlan creates a flexible, elastic structure. This helps stabilize the dough and prevent the air bubbles from collapsing.
Xylanase
Xylanase enzyme is added to dough to hydrolyze xylan. Xylan is a component of wheat fiber. This breaks down the dough’s pentosans, making it easier to mix, knead, and process. The enzyme improves water absorption in the flour. It enhances dough extensibility. This causes the dough to become stretchy. It also boosts flour extraction rates for bakers who use whole wheat flour. This leads to better bran dispersion.
Cellulose
Cellulose enzymes are added to dough to hydrolyze cellulose. Cellulose is a component of wheat bran. The enzymes are useful when making whole wheat bread. They improve flour extraction rates and bran dispersion in the dough. This leads to a more even mixture. They help break down bran pieces in the dough. This reduces their negative impact on gluten structure. It also improves dough texture and makes it less harsh. By improving a bran dispersion, these enzymes enhance water retention in whole bran dough. This leads to better moisture balance in the final loaf.
An appropriate bread improver enzyme makes the process of baking bread easier. It improves texture, flavor, and nutritional value. Buyers should consider the following factors to choose recipes or products with the right enzymes:
Ingredients
Different kinds of bread improver enzymes are derived or synthesized from different sources. Some buyers might prefer enzymes made from natural sources. They are gentler on the digestive system and contribute extra nutrients to the bread. These include amylase from barley, malt, and yeast. Others might prefer microbial enzymes. These are usually more potent and effective. They are also mass-produced for consistency, especially in large-scale operations.
Type of bread
The enzyme choice depends on the specific needs of the bread being made. Buyers should refer to the particular requirements of the recipe. These include texture, flavor, and nutritional content. For example, train vertical fold enzymes are ideal for artisanal breads. This is because they strengthen the gluten structure. Easy-to-use enzymes like amylase improve quick and soft bread.
A baking business's unique needs
Are the enzymes meant for small-scale artisanal baking? Or are they for large commercial bakeries? Small-scale bakers might look for niche enzymes that enhance specialty breads. These could be rye bread or gluten-free bread. Large-scale operations may prioritize consistency and high performance. They could go for potent xylanase derived from Trichoderma.
Efficacy
Buyers should look for evidence to support the benefits of the enzymes. For instance, scientific studies showing how they improve gluten function or dough stability. Customer reviews may also point out how particular enzymes have improved the texture or flavor of the bread. They make statements like it has contributed to a better crumb structure.
Ease of use
How are these enzymes supposed to be added to the recipe? Do they require complicated preparations or are they simple to use? Enzymes that are easy to add to the dough without special equipment or processes are ideal for most bakers. They are practical, especially for those who have just started their baking journey. For large-scale operations, ease of use is essential for maintaining efficiency. It is also crucial for consistency.
Regulations
Buyers should ensure that the enzyme for the bread improver is compliant with local food regulations. These regulations dictate what additives and enzymes can be used in bread. Some countries have particular restrictions on certain enzymes. For instance, they ban or regulate the use of enzymes derived from certain sources, like rhino or fungus. It is also essential to ensure that the enzymes have appropriate labeling. This helps consumers make informed decisions, especially those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
Bread improvers containing enzymes are added to dough during the mixing process. This is usually in small quantities. The typical usage amounts range from 0.1% to 0.5% of the flour weight for most enzymatic bread improver products. But the exact amount depends on the type of enzyme, particular formulation, and the desired effect. It is also influenced by the type of bread and flour used. Consult the supplier for the ideal usage instructions.
Mixing with flour
The enzyme for the bread improver is added to the flour along with the other ingredients. These could be the liquids, yeast, and salt. The mixture is then thoroughly combined so the enzyme properly disperses throughout the flour.
Activation
Some enzymes might need particular conditions for activation. These conditions are commonly found during the mixing and fermentation processes. For instance, amylases are naturally found in malt and yeast. They are already active when the yeast ferments the dough. Other enzymes like glucose oxidase and xylanase are typically inactive. They have no effect on the dough until they are activated during mixing.
Fermentation control
Enzymes improve fermentation by making more sugars available for the yeast to consume. They lead to a better rise and more uniform texture. But too much enzyme activity can cause over-fermentation. This leads to a dense and gummy loaf with poor structure. That is why it is important to use the correct amount of enzyme.
Dough conditioning
Enzymes improve flour proteins to make them bond more tightly with each other. This strengthens gluten, leading to better dough structure. The improved dough also has better gas retention. This causes it not to collapse in on itself. The enzymes also enhance bread crumb structure. This results in a lighter and airer loaf of bread.
Storage stability
Improving the loaf's texture, volume, and crumb keeps the bread fresher for longer. The internal structure improves starch retrogradation. This is the process that causes the bread to go stale faster. Enzymes may also be used in the production of dry bread mixes.
Enzymes improve bread improvers to enhance the baking process by boosting the activity of the flour's natural enzymes.
Improved texture
Enzymes like xylanase and glucose oxidase strengthen gluten in the dough. This leads to improved texture in the final loaf. The bread has better volume and a fluffier crumb. The enzymes make the loaf denser without collapsing and losing its structure.
Enhanced flavor
Enzymes break down starch into simpler sugars. For example, maltase converts leftover starch into glucose. The sugars combine with nitrogen compounds to form amino acids. These are a building block of proteins. The amino acids react together when the bread is baked. They produce more aromatic volatile compounds which enhance flavor and aroma.
Extended shelf life
Enzymes bind available water in flour and dough. This reduces the rate of starch retrogradation. Retrogradation is the process that causes bread to go stale. It happens due to water evaporation. By binding water, the enzymes slow retrogradation. This keeps the bread fresher for a longer time and stales less quickly.
Better nutritional value
The enzymes break down complex carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids into simpler, more digestible molecules. They also increase the availability of nutrients like vitamins and minerals. This offers better nutritional value. Some enzymes, such as protease, enhance the bioavailability of amino acids.
Stronger dough
Enzymes like xylanase improve flour's pentosan content. This weakens the dough's gluten network. It makes the dough stretchier and easier to handle. The improved gluten network retains more carbon dioxide produced by the yeast. The dough becomes fluffier and airer with a stronger structure.
Consistent results
Large-scale bread manufacturers use enzyme products to ensure consistency. The enzymes enhance the activity of the flour's natural enzymes, producing a standardized effect in the dough. This overcomes differences in flour quality that cause variations in texture, flavor, and appearance. Consistency ensures how visually appealing, texturally appealing, and flavorsome the product is.
Simplified baking process
Enzymes in bread improvers are usually pre-mixed with other ingredients. This makes them simple to add to the dough during the mixing process. There is no additional equipment or expertise required for the enzymatic activity. It makes enzymatic improvers user-friendly for both novice and expert bakers.
Improvers made with enzymes don’t necessarily go bad after the best-before date has expired. They just lose potency. Good bread made with them is still safe to eat even after the best-before date. But loaf bread and other baked products don’t last long after their best-before date. Always practice safety. Use the senses to check if the bread looks, smells, and tastes okay. When in doubt, throw it out. Contact a doctor for more serious health issues that expired foods can cause.
Yes. Enzymes break down leftover starches into simpler sugars during fermentation. Some of these sugars react with nitrogen compounds to form volatile compounds. These compounds enhance flavor and aroma.
Yes. Enzymes improve starches and proteins into simpler molecules during the baking process. These molecules are more bioavailable. Some enzymes break down proteins into amino acids. These are the building blocks of protein that offer health benefits.
Yes. They undergo rigorous safety testing to ensure they are safe for consumption. They are also regulated by authorities like the FDA to meet strict safety standards. Read product labels for the ingredient list. This makes it easy to identify any specific ingredient that causes allergic reactions.