ABSTRACT
In this study, enzyme extracts were obtained from hairless canary seeds (CDC Maria) and used as gluten-free bread improvers. The enzyme extraction was done with a specific protein buffer solution and subsequent centrifugation. The supernatant was called crude enzyme extract, a fraction of this extract was refrigerated (CE) and another fraction was lyophilized (CEL). The lyoprotective effect of corn fiber (CEL + CF), maltodextrin (CEL + M), and inulin (CEL + I) was evaluated. Each enzyme extract was added to a gluten-free bread at 0.25%, 0.5%, 0.75% and 1% (w/w). The quality of the gluten-free bread was determined by external and internal characteristically, physical and sensory analysis: analysis of the lamella thickness, the shape factor of pores, the final volume, the aeration percentage, the texture profile analysis, the pore size distribution and shelf-life time. The results showed that the formulation with CEL at 0.5% (w/w) significantly improved the gluten-free bread quality properties, generating an increase of the final volume and aeration percentage, a reduction of the firmness, chewiness and sample aging, and a finer and more uniform crumb structure when compared to a control sample (P < 0.001). This study revealed the potential of a food-improving additive obtained from a natural origin with a high-level production in Argentina.