The effects of phosphate salts on the pasting, mixing and noodle-making performance of wheat flour

The effects of five phosphate salts (PS) on the pasting properties of flour, mixing properties of dough and qualities of cooked noodles were investigated. Rapid Visco Analysis showed that all types of PS increased the peak and final viscosities of wheat flour. Trisodium phosphate (TSP) significantly increased pasting temperature with increasing concentration. The Farinograph characteristics indicated that TSP markedly increased stability time and progressively decreased the degree of softening of the dough. The cooking yield of the TSP, sodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) and disodium phosphate (DSP) groups clearly increased, and the cooking loss was reduced by adding 0.3% sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), 0.1% TSPP or 0.1% TSP. Texture profile analysis revealed that the hardness of cooked noodles from STPP and TSP groups slightly decreased, while that of TSPP and DSP groups decreased significantly. Overall, PS improved the qualities of noodles mainly by promoting starch gelatinization and strengthening the gluten network.