In: Chemistry
Name five additives, besides flour, yeast, water, sugar and salt, found on a label of a loaf of bread. State the function of these additives
1.EMULSIFIERS
Widely used in bread improvers to control the size of gas bubbles,
emulsifiers enable the dough to hold more gas and therefore grow
bigger and make the crumb softer. Emulsifiers also reduce the rate
at which the bread goes stale.
2.PRESERVATIVES
Calcium propionate is widely used, as is vinegar (acetic acid).
Preservatives are only necessary for prolonged shelf life - home
freezing is a chemical-free alternative.
3.REDUCING AGENT
Used as L-cysteine hydrochloride (E920), cysteine is a naturally
occurring amino acid used in baking to create stretchier doughs,
especially for burger buns and French sticks. It may be derived
from animal hair and feathers.
4.BLEACH
Chlorine dioxide gas is used by millers and makes white flour
whiter. It has some "improving" effect on the flour - bleaches have
been used as a substitute for the natural ageing of
flour.
5.FLOUR TREATMENT AGENT
L-ascorbic acid (E300) can be added to flour by the miller, or at
the baking stage. It acts as an oxidant, helping to retain gas in
the dough, which makes the loaf rise more and gives a false
impression of value. It is not permitted in wholemeal flour, but
permitted in wholemeal bread.