Characteristics of Soft Wheat and Tiger Nut (Cyperus esculentus) Composite Flour Bread

This study investigated the effects of tiger nut flour (TNF) incorporation (5-25%) on wheat-based bread characteristics. Dough rheology analysis revealed optimal gas retention at 10% TNF addition, while higher concentrations decreased dough stability. Physical analysis demonstrated that 10% TNF substitution yielded the highest specific volume (2.4 mL/g) and porosity (67.0%), with significant textural changes observed at higher concentrations. Bioactive compound analysis showed progressive increases in the total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity with increasing TNF levels, particularly in 25% TNF bread (111.31 mg TE/g dm in crumb). Storage studies over 7 days indicated that TNF incorporation affected bread staling characteristics, with 10-15% substitution levels maintaining better textural properties. The results suggest that TNF incorporation up to 15% can enhance bread's nutritional value, while maintaining acceptable technological properties, with 10% substitution showing an optimal balance between functional benefits and bread quality.