Effect of adding millet flour and Xanthan gum on the physicochemical and sensorial properties of gluten-free cake

Rice is one of the most suitable cereals for the production of gluten free products for patients with celiac disease and most gluten-free products are prepared based on rice. Rice has unique nutritional properties, contains low sodium, protein, fat and high amounts of digestible carbohydrates, But since in the milling process, in order to produce white rice, a significant portion of fiber and minerals are lost, in the production of gluten-free products from rice flours, we must use of other cereals flour or authorized additives in order to achieve the desired nutrient in terms of nutrients and provide the needs of patients with celiac disease. Millet is rich in dietary fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins and can meet the needs of patients with celiac disease. Xanthan gum is also one of the most commonly used additives in the production of gluten free products, and helps to improve the quality and physicochemical properties of gluten-free cakes. The purpose of this research is to replace rice flour using millet flour combined with xanthan gum in the production of gluten-free cake to provide a new formulation.

In the present study, gluten-free cake was prepared based on rice flour, replacing 50, 75 and 100% rice flour with millet flour and using 0.15 and 0.3% of xanthan gum.Then, physicochemical and sensory properties of gluten-free batter and cake including viscosity, cooking loss, specific volume, porosity, texture, moisture content and total acceptance were evaluated.

The results showed that the amount of millet flour increased, the viscosity of the dough, moisture content, porosity and softness of the cake texture decreased but these properties increased with the addition of xanthan gum. But these properties increased with the addition of xanthan gum. It was also found that combining the appropriate amount of millet and xanthan gum with proper viscosity can improve the physicochemical and sensory properties of the dough and cake. By adding 50% millet flour and 0.15% xanthan gum, the physicochemical properties of cake were improved, but by increasing this amount (75 and 100% millet flour and 0.3% xanthan gum), the cake quality was reduced. The sample containing 50% millet flour and 50% rice flour with 0.15% xanthan gum had the highest volume, porosity and sensory acceptance, as well as the least firmness during the storage period.

According to the results, using 50% millet flour in combination with 0.15% Xanthan gum could improve the physico-chemical and sensory properties of the dough and cake to the control sample (100% rice flour).