In this study, we evaluated the effect of enrichment of bread using acerola fruit powder on the physical, sensorial and antioxidant properties of gluten-free breads. We tested different proportions of acerola fruit powder (0-5% w/w) in rice flour. According to the results, loaf volume increased from 423.33 cm3 to 571.67 cm with increasing amount of acerola fruit powder cm3 with increasing amount of acerola fruit powder (from 0 to 5% w/w). Acerola fruit powder improved the structural parameters of the crumb by increasing the size and area fraction of cells. All tested quantities of acerola fruit powder improved textural parameters by decreasing firmness and chewiness and by increasing springiness. In addition, acerola fruit powder positively affected the antioxidant properties of enriched breads. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of extracts was found to be increased with the addition of acerola fruit powder. All antioxidant activities were found to be increased with increasing quantities of acerola fruit powder. The sensory attributes of the bread showed that a partial replacement of the rice flour with up to 3% of acerola fruit powder provided satisfactory results. The optimum level of acerola fruit powder for all parameters tested was found to be 3% w/w.
Keywords: Acerola fruit; antioxidant; gluten-free bread; quality.