The development of microorganisms of sourdough and biodiversity of microbiota can be influenced by changing the parameters of the technological process such as the ratio of flour and added water, the fermentation temperature and time. The Box–Behnken design methodology was used to determine the optimal parameters for the three-phase spontaneous backslopping fermentation process of hull-less barley sourdough, as well as to characterize the microbiological diversity. The optimized parameters of backslopping fermentation are flour and water ratio 1:1.13, temperature 30 °C, time 24 h in the 1st backslopping; the inoculate, flour and water ratio 1:1:1.3, temperature 31 °C, time 14 h in the 2nd backslopping, and the inoculate, flour and water ratio 1:1:1.5, and temperature 28.5 °C, time 12 h in the 3rd step of backslopping. In the controlled spontaneous fermentation environment in three backslopping steps, the microbiological research of hull-less barley sourdough has confirmed the dominance of species Pediococcus pentosaceus in the 3rd backslopping step of spontaneous fermentation. The developed spontaneous hull-less barley sourdough is consistent with the number of lactic bacteria and yeasts in line with that seen by the active sourdough.

The complex of polysaccharides of the grain transforms during processing and modifies the physical and chemical characteristics of bread. The aim of the research was to characterize the changes of glucans, mannans and fructans in hull-less barley and wholegrain wheat breads fermented with spontaneous hull-less barley sourdough, germinated hull-less barley sourdough and yeast, as well as to analyze the impact of polysaccharides on the physical parameters of bread. By using the barley sourdoughs for wholegrain wheat bread dough fermentation, the specific volume and porosity was reduced; the hardness was not significantly increased, but the content of β-glucans was doubled. Principal component analysis indicates a higher content of β-glucans and a lower content of starch, total glucans, fructans and mannans for hull-less barley breads, but wholegrain wheat breads fermented with sourdoughs have a higher amount of starch, total glucans, fructans and mannans, and a lower content of β-glucans. The composition of polysaccharides was affected by the type of flour and fermentation method used.

In wholemeal bread production, scalding and fermentation contribute to the improvement of the structural characteristics of the dough and bread. The influence of fermented scald on rye and barley dough and bread structure formation was specified in this study. The microstructural analysis performed using a scanning electron microscope revealed the separation of phases during the fermentation of scalds. According to the storage G′ and loss G″ moduli, both scalds exhibited elastic character over viscous. The fermentation of barley scald increased both moduli and complex viscosity, while no substantial changes were observed in the fermented rye scald. The addition of fermented scald containing partially hydrolyzed starch and a fraction of water-soluble compounds contributed positively to the formation of a well-organized structure of dough fermented for 4 h. Fermentation substantially reduced the dough’s complex viscosity and moduli values, confirming the partial structure alteration leading to the viscous portion increase. The dough with fermented scald showed a significantly lower loss factor than the dough without fermented scald, indicating enhanced mechanical process ability. The most substantial weakening of the structure was observed for dough without scald. The addition of rye scald to the rye dough promoted the formation of fewer pores with relatively smaller specific volumes.

This study investigates the effect of extended rye scald fermentation times (12–48 h) on its biochemical properties and rye bread’s nutritional and sensory qualities. Traditional rye bread production in Latvia involves prolonged fermentation with lactic acid bacteria (LAB), a process that influences the bread’s acidity, sugar content, and concentrations of organic acids, fructans, and phytates. Scald fermentation was analyzed at intervals of 0, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h to monitor microbial activity, particularly LAB population dynamics. Organic acids and sugar profiles were analyzed using HPLC, while phytic acid and fructan concentrations were determined using the Phytic Acid Assay Kit (K-PHYT) and Fructan Assay Kit (K-FRUC). Sensory evaluation assessed attributes including aroma, sour and sweet taste, stickiness, and floury aftertaste. A rapid pH decrease and increased total titratable acidity (TTA) after 12 h confirmed scald’s suitability as a substrate for Lactobacillus delbrueckii metabolism. Lactic acid content increased 13.8-fold after 48 h. Combined scald and dough sourdough fermentation reduced phytic acid by 20% and fructans by 49%, improving mineral bioavailability. Extending fermentation beyond 24 h showed no significant differences in physicochemical parameters, although it improved sensory quality, reduced stickiness, balanced sweet–sour flavors, enhanced aroma, and minimized floury aftertaste.

Amylase activity in rye flour plays a crucial role in the production of rye bread. When preparing a scald in rye bread production, diastatic rye malt is utilized to augment the amylase activity of the rye flour. This study investigated the effects of the diastatic power (DP) and concentration of rye malt on the Falling Number (FN) and the rheological properties of rye flour. Additionally, it examined reducing sugars in the scalding process and fermentation. Mixolab results provided comprehensive data on dough properties at different temperature stages, highlighting significant changes in starch gelatinization and enzyme activity due to varying malt diastatic power and concentrations. The decline in the gelatinization index (C3-C2) indicated faster starch gelatinization with increased diastatic power. Adding rye malt significantly increased maltose content in the saccharified and fermented scald, promoting a favorable environment for lactic acid bacteria and yeasts. FN and Amylograph results showed that less active malt (DP 170, 179 °WK), at a 1.5% concentration, could achieve similar effects as the more active malt (DP 362, 408 °WK) at 0.5%. Adding rye malt to rye flour allows for the regulation of the flour’s rheological properties and FN, adjustable based on malt DP and concentration.

Incorporating extruded pea hulls (EPH) into wheat bread increases its nutritional value by increasing dietary fiber content, which in turn influences the physicochemical properties and sensory attributes of bread. This study aimed to assess the effect of varying EPH levels on the rheological properties of wheat dough, as well as on the physical and sensory attributes of wheat bread, providing insight into the optimal EPH inclusion level. Farinograph analysis indicated that the inclusion of extruded pea hulls progressively increased the water absorption capacity. At higher EPH replacement levels, bread exhibited decreased specific volume, increased hardness, reduced porosity, darker color, and pronounced sensory attributes of pea aroma and pea taste. Bread with 5–15% EPH retained physical qualities comparable to bread without EPH, with 5% EPH replacement particularly improving specific volume, porosity, and texture. However, 20–30% EPH significantly impaired bread quality, resulting in denser crumb, darker crumb color, and intensified pea aroma. These findings suggest that moderate EPH inclusion (up to 15%) is optimal for enhancing fiber content without compromising bread quality, while higher levels (20% and more) may negatively affect both physical and sensory attributes.