Dandelion Flowers as an Additive to Wheat Bread: Physical Properties of Dough and Bread Quality

Dandelion flowers (DF) are a rich source of many phytochemicals which can reduce oxidative stress in the human body. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of dried and powdered DF addition into wheat flour (WF) on dough and bread properties. WF was replaced with DF at levels 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6%. Physical properties of dough and quality of control and supplemented bread were studied. The addition of DF increased water absorption of flour, development time and dough stability during mixing. However, these changes had no positive effect on bread quality. With an increase in the proportion of DF in the bread recipe, the volume of loaves and lightness of crumb decreased while its hardness and yellowness increased. As a result of these changes, the overall sensory acceptability of DF-enriched bread decreased. On the other hand, supplementation of WF with DF increased minerals, fiber and fat content in bread. Most importantly, DF enhanced the antioxidant capacity of bread and increased content of phenolics. Total phenolic content ranged from 1.00 mg GAE/g dry mass (DM) for control bread to 3.45 mg GAE/g DM when wheat flour was replaced with 6% of DF. To summarize, we showed that DF can be a valuable ingredient for bread fortification. However, the amount of WF replaced with DF should not exceed 2-3% while taking into account the sensory results.

Automated summary

The addition of dandelion flowers to wheat flour can increase water absorption, dough stability, as well as mineral, fiber, and fat content in bread. However, it has no positive effect on bread quality, leading to a decrease in loaf volume and crumb lightness, while increasing hardness and yellowness. Dandelion flowers enhance the antioxidant capacity and phenolic content in bread. Therefore, dandelion flowers can be a valuable ingredient for bread fortification, but the substitution of wheat flour should not exceed 2-3% in consideration of sensory results.