Technological properties, shelf life and consumer preference of spelt-based sourdough bread using novel, selected starter cultures

The goal of this work was to investigate the use of selected starter cultures to obtain a spelt-based sourdough bread with improved technological, sensory and shelf-life characteristics. Two consortia were set up, containing a yeast strain (either a commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain or a maltose-negative Kazachstania unispora strain) and two strains of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), belonging to Weissella cibaria and Pediococcus pentosaceus species. The ability to grow in co-culture was investigated, and no inhibitions were recorded between the LAB and yeasts, that grew in proportions deemed desirable for sourdoughs. The performance of the two consortia was assessed in a spelt-based sourdough bread, and the leavening behavior, bread volume and crumb softness, shelf life and consumer preference were assessed. The product obtained with the consortium containing S. cerevisiae had superior crumb texture that was maintained through 5 d of storage, and was well accepted by the consumers. Furthermore, both consortia improved the mold free shelf-life when challenged with common cereal contaminants. The data showed that selected starter cultures have a good potential in improving the quality of bakery products obtained with flours that have a poor technological performance, such as spelt, but interesting nutritional properties and sustainable cultivation.