Effect of Soda Leavening on Phytic Acid Content and Physical Characteristics of Middle Eastern Breads

Abstract

ABSTRACT The effect of soda (sodium bicarbonate) as a leavening agent on pH, phytic acid hydrolysis and physical quality of a fermentation model system and two popular Middle Eastern breads, Iranian taftoon and Pakistani naan (Arabic) were studied. Supplementing 0.2 and 0.4% soda invariably decreased phytic acid hydrolysis. In sour starter supplemented dough, phytic acid was reduced by 82% after 3 hr. However, when 0.4% soda and sour starter were added loss of phytic acid did not exceed 29%. Supplementing soda in taftoon and naan bread formula significantly lowered phytic acid hydrolysis during fermentation. Soda had no apparent improvement on physical quality of breads but increased the dough water absorption and lengthened the mixing time.