Bread improver is a mixture of ingredients that are added to bread dough to improve the texture, volume, and overall quality of the bread. Bread improvers typically contain enzymes, emulsifiers, and other ingredients that help to strengthen the gluten network, increase water absorption, and extend the shelf life of the bread.
Enzymes in bread improvers can break down starches and proteins in the dough to provide nutrients to the yeast, leading to faster fermentation and a better rise. Emulsifiers can help to create a more stable dough by reducing the surface tension of the water and allowing for better mixing of ingredients. Other ingredients like ascorbic acid or Vitamin C can help to strengthen the gluten network and provide better dough elasticity.
Bread improvers are commonly used in commercial bread production, but they can also be used by home bakers to improve the quality of their bread. However, it is important to note that some people prefer to avoid bread improvers for health reasons, and that it is possible to make good quality bread without them, by using good quality ingredients and following proper bread-making techniques.
General tips on how to use bread improver
The instructions for using bread improver can vary depending on the specific product and brand, so it is important to read the package instructions carefully. However, here are some general tips on how to use bread improver:
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Add the bread improver to your dry ingredients: Most bread improvers are added to the flour or dry ingredients before mixing with the wet ingredients. Follow the package instructions for the recommended amount to use based on the amount of flour in your recipe.
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Mix the dough as normal: Once the bread improver has been added to the dry ingredients, mix the dough as you normally would.
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Knead the dough thoroughly: Bread improvers work by strengthening the gluten network in the dough, so it is important to knead the dough thoroughly to activate the gluten. This will help to ensure that the bread rises properly and has a good texture.
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Allow the dough to rise: After kneading, allow the dough to rise as normal. The bread improver should help to increase the volume of the bread and create a better rise.
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Bake the bread: Once the dough has risen, bake the bread as you normally would. The bread improver should help to improve the texture and overall quality of the bread.
It's important to note that the amount of bread improver you use will depend on the specific product and your recipe, so it's best to follow the package instructions carefully. Additionally, bread improvers are not necessary for making good quality bread, so it's possible to make bread without them by using good quality ingredients and following proper bread-making techniques.
The ingredients of bread improver
The ingredients of bread improver can vary depending on the specific product and brand. However, here are some common ingredients that are often found in bread improvers:
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Enzymes: Bread improvers may contain enzymes such as amylase and protease, which help to break down starches and proteins in the dough, leading to faster fermentation and a better rise.
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Emulsifiers: Emulsifiers such as lecithin or mono- and diglycerides are often added to bread improvers to create a more stable dough by reducing the surface tension of the water and allowing for better mixing of ingredients.
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Ascorbic acid or Vitamin C: Ascorbic acid or Vitamin C can be added to bread improvers to strengthen the gluten network and provide better dough elasticity.
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Yeast nutrients: Bread improvers may contain nutrients such as ammonium chloride, calcium sulphate or magnesium sulphate which provide nutrients to the yeast and improve fermentation.
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Flour treatment agents: Flour treatment agents such as malted barley flour, potassium bromate or azodicarbonamide are added to bread improvers to improve the texture and volume of the bread.
It is important to note that some bread improvers may contain ingredients that are not suitable for all dietary needs, so it is important to read the package instructions and ingredient list carefully before using.
Formulating a bread improver
Formulating a bread improver can be complex, as it requires a deep understanding of the chemical and physical properties of bread dough and the specific functionality of different ingredients. Here are some general guidelines for formulating a bread improver:
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Determine the desired function: Bread improvers can have a variety of functions, such as improving dough handling, increasing volume, enhancing flavor, or extending shelf life. Determine the desired function(s) for your bread improver.
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Select ingredients: Choose ingredients that will help achieve the desired function(s). This may include enzymes, emulsifiers, ascorbic acid, yeast nutrients, flour treatment agents, and other ingredients.
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Determine optimal dosage: Determine the optimal dosage for each ingredient based on the desired function and the specific bread recipe.
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Test the formulation: Test the formulation using a variety of bread recipes to ensure that it achieves the desired function(s) without negatively affecting the taste, texture, or appearance of the bread.
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Refine the formulation: Based on the results of testing, refine the formulation as needed to optimize the function(s) and ensure consistent performance.
It is important to note that formulating a bread improver can be challenging and may require specialized knowledge and equipment. It is recommended to consult with a food scientist or other expert in the field for assistance in formulating a bread improver.
List of some common ingredients that are often used in bread improvers:
- Enzymes such as amylase and protease
- Emulsifiers such as lecithin or mono- and diglycerides
- Ascorbic acid or Vitamin C
- Yeast nutrients such as ammonium chloride, calcium sulphate or magnesium sulphate
- Flour treatment agents such as malted barley flour, potassium bromate or azodicarbonamide
These ingredients are typically mixed together in specific ratios and processed under controlled conditions to create a bread improver with the desired functionality. It's important to note that some ingredients used in bread improvers may be regulated in certain countries due to their potential health risks, so it's important to follow any applicable regulations when formulating a bread improver.
S500 bread improver
S500 bread improver is a type of bread improver that is commonly used in commercial bread production. It is made up of a blend of enzymes, emulsifiers, and other ingredients that work together to improve the quality of the bread dough and the finished loaf. Some of the functions of S500 bread improver include:
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Improving dough strength and elasticity: The enzymes and emulsifiers in S500 bread improver help to strengthen the gluten network in the dough, improving its elasticity and making it easier to work with.
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Increasing bread volume: S500 bread improver can help to increase the volume of the bread by improving the texture of the dough and promoting better fermentation.
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Enhancing dough machinability: S500 bread improver can improve the machinability of the dough, making it easier to shape and process in commercial bread-making equipment.
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Extending shelf life: The ingredients in S500 bread improver can help to extend the shelf life of the bread by reducing staling and preserving freshness.
It's important to note that S500 bread improver is a commercial product that is typically used in large-scale bread production. While it may be possible to purchase S500 bread improver for home use, it is not necessary for making good quality bread at home.
Using S500 bread improver
The specific instructions for using S500 bread improver may vary depending on the manufacturer's recommendations, but here are some general guidelines:
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Calculate the amount of S500 needed: The amount of S500 bread improver needed will depend on the weight of the flour used in the recipe. The recommended dosage is usually between 0.1% to 0.3% of the flour weight, but it's important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions for specific dosage recommendations.
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Add S500 to the flour: Once you have calculated the amount of S500 needed, add it to the flour and mix well.
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Add other ingredients: Add the other ingredients for the bread recipe, such as yeast, salt, water, and any other additives.
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Mix the dough: Mix the dough until it forms a smooth, elastic dough.
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Rest the dough: Allow the dough to rest for the recommended time to allow for fermentation.
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Shape the dough: Shape the dough into the desired shape and place it in a bread pan or on a baking sheet.
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Allow the dough to rise: Allow the dough to rise until it has doubled in size.
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Bake the bread: Bake the bread in a preheated oven until it is golden brown and fully cooked.
S500 bread improver is typically used in commercial bread production, so it may not be necessary for home bakers to use it. However, if you choose to use S500 bread improver, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and use it in the recommended dosage.
Some common ingredients that may be found in S500 bread improver:
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Enzymes: S500 bread improver typically contains a blend of enzymes, such as amylase, protease, and xylanase, which can help to break down starches, proteins, and other components in the dough, improving its texture and making it easier to work with.
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Emulsifiers: Emulsifiers, such as mono- and diglycerides, can help to improve the texture of the dough, making it smoother and more elastic.
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Flour treatment agents: Flour treatment agents, such as ascorbic acid (Vitamin C), can help to improve the quality of the flour, making it more consistent and easier to work with.
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Yeast nutrients: S500 bread improver may contain yeast nutrients, such as ammonium chloride, calcium sulphate or magnesium sulphate, which can help to improve the activity and growth of yeast, leading to better fermentation and a higher-quality loaf.
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Stabilizers: S500 bread improver may contain stabilizers, such as cellulose gum or guar gum, which can help to improve the consistency of the dough and prevent it from breaking down during processing.
It's important to note that S500 bread improver is typically used in commercial bread production and may contain other ingredients not listed here. The specific composition of S500 bread improver will vary depending on the manufacturer and the intended function of the product.
S500 bread improver in the following situations:
S500 bread improver is typically used in commercial bread production to improve the quality and consistency of the dough and the finished loaf. It may be necessary to use S500 bread improver in the following situations:
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Inconsistent flour quality: If the quality of the flour used in bread production varies from batch to batch, it may be difficult to achieve consistent results. S500 bread improver can help to improve the quality of the flour and make it more consistent, leading to better results.
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Difficult dough handling: Some types of bread dough can be difficult to handle, particularly in large-scale commercial production. S500 bread improver can help to improve the strength and elasticity of the dough, making it easier to work with and reducing the risk of damage during processing.
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Faster production times: In commercial bread production, it may be necessary to produce a large number of loaves in a short amount of time. S500 bread improver can help to speed up the fermentation and proofing process, allowing for faster production times and increased output.
It's important to note that S500 bread improver is not necessary for home bakers and may not be widely available for purchase by consumers. While it can improve the quality of bread dough and the finished loaf, it is typically used in large-scale commercial production where consistency and efficiency are critical.
There are many different brands of bread improver on the market
There are many different brands of bread improver on the market, each with their own unique formulation and intended use. Here are some examples of popular bread improver brands and their descriptions:
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Puratos: Puratos is a global bakery ingredient supplier that offers a range of bread improvers, including those designed for specific bread types, such as baguettes, brioche, and sourdough. Puratos bread improvers are designed to improve dough handling, fermentation, and final product quality.
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Lesaffre: Lesaffre is a yeast and bread improver manufacturer that offers a range of products for commercial and industrial baking. Their bread improvers are designed to enhance dough strength, fermentation, and shelf life, and they offer a variety of formulations for different types of bread.
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Bakels: Bakels is a bakery ingredients supplier that offers a range of bread improvers, including those designed for soft, crusty, and wholemeal bread. Bakels bread improvers are designed to improve dough extensibility, crumb structure, and shelf life.
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Lallemand: Lallemand is a global yeast and bacteria producer that offers a range of bread improvers, including those designed for specific bread types, such as ciabatta and bagels. Lallemand bread improvers are designed to improve dough handling, fermentation, and final product quality.
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DuPont: DuPont is a global science and engineering company that offers a range of bakery ingredients, including bread improvers. DuPont bread improvers are designed to improve dough strength, stability, and fermentation, and they offer a variety of formulations for different types of bread.
It's important to note that the specific formulations and intended uses of bread improvers can vary widely between brands, and the best bread improver for a particular recipe or application will depend on many factors, including the type of bread being made, the quality of the flour, and the desired final product characteristics. |