Development of a Type I gluten-free sourdough

The aim of this study was the setting up of a gluten-free sourdough from selected lactobacilli and yeasts isolated from a traditional wheat-based Type I sourdough. A gluten-free matrix was inoculated with Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis and Candida humilis, fermented to pH 4·0, and constantly propagated for ten times. A stable association between micro-organisms was observed from the second refreshment with mean values of 9·08 ± 0·25 log CFU g(-1) for lactobacilli and 7·81 ± 0·07 log CFU g(-1) for yeasts. In order to have a good workability of the dough, a 230 BU consistency was considered. Rheofermentographic indices remained constant over the ten refreshments, showing an average value of 23·2 mm dough height in about 7·5 h. The CO2 production and retention volumes reached average values of 1430 and 1238 ml respectively. The microbiological and technological data obtained highlighted that a GF sourdough was effectively developed.

Type I sourdough has a long tradition as a leavening agent of baked goods as its use results in an improved texture, flavour, taste and extended shelf-life of the final products. In this study a Type I gluten-free sourdough was obtained. After few refreshments in controlled conditions, the sourdough presented a stable association between Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis and Candida humilis, constant fermentation times and technological properties (in terms of dough consistency, dough maximum height, CO2 production and retention). The results showed that the gluten-free sourdough developed in this study can improve the overall quality of gluten-free baked products.