Tef is currently being incorporated into a wide range of foodstuff due to its high nutritional profile. This study tries to fill the information gap on the effect of tef varieties on physico-chemical, nutritional and sensorial quality of gluten-free bread. Maize starch replacement at 50, 75 and 100 g/100 g level by tef flour from three Ethiopian varieties (DZ-Cr-37, DZ-Cr-387 and DZ-01-99) resulted in viable gluten-free breads with acceptable sensory properties, higher mineral content and lower glycemic response. Tef cultivar type and blending level significantly affected bread quality. The 50% and 75% substitution levels and the DZ-Cr-37 variety led to the highest bread volumes with the lowest firmness. Breads made with DZ-01-99 variety were darker and with more reddish crust and crumb hues than those made with the other varieties. Breads from 100% DZ-Cr-37 achieved the highest hedonic scores for color, odor, taste and texture. The Ca, Fe and Mg contents of the breads made with 100% tef were 13, 40 and 30 times, respectively, higher than those of the control bread (100% maize starch), indicating tef could be used as an excellent source of these important minerals. In addition, the rapidly digestible starch content decreased up to 28% in breads fortified with tef flour.
Keywords: in vitro starch digestibility; mineral content; sensory analysis; tef varieties.