Evaluation of baking qualities, functional and physicochemical properties of wheat supplemented with cassava and mung bean flour blends for bread making

The present study evaluated the baking qualities and physicochemical properties of bread produced from wheat flour supplemented with cassava and mung bean flour blends at different levels of inclusion to assess its suitability to be used in bread production. Standard methods were used to carry out the baking qualities and physicochemical properties of the flour blends while 20 semitrained panelists were recruited for the sensory evaluation. The result showed that the gluten content of the flour blends ranged from 3.61% to 24.19%. Sample A (90% wheat:5% cassava:5% mung bean) flour blend had the highest gluten content while sample D (60% wheat:20% cassava:20% mung bean) flour blend recorded the lowest value of gluten content. The viscosity of the flour blends was found to decrease significantly (p ≥ 0.05) with an increase in temperature while the functional properties of the flour blends and physical properties of the bread varied among samples. Sample B (80% wheat:5% cassava:5% mung bean) was found to be highest in bulk density, loaf volume, and specific volume with values 0.73 g/mL, 7.86 cm³, and 0.05 cm³/g, respectively, with enhanced baking quality. Results of the chemical composition showed that fiber and protein content increased with an increase in substitution levels. Sample D had the highest value 0.43% and 27.65% while sample E (100% wheat) had the lowest value 0.38% and 12.60% for fiber and protein content respectively. Carbohydrate content decreased with an increase in substitution levels. Sample E had the highest value 48.88% while sample D had the lowest value 25.32%. Values for moisture, ash, fat, crude fiber, and energy content varied among samples and substitution levels. Sensory evaluation of the various attributes rated on 9 points hedonic scale showed a decrease in the mean score as the level of substitution increased. Sample E was rated high in all sensory attributes and was also found to be significantly different (p ≥ 0.05) among samples although in general acceptability sample E was found to be the same as sample A. The result showed that bread made from 90% wheat:5% cassava:5% mung bean flour blend (sample A) compare favorably with bread made from 100% wheat flour (control) but in baking quality sample B was found to be the best.