Ascorbic acid
Oxidation plays a central role in the breadmaking
process. Addition of oxidants at optimum levels to
flour or dough normally results in improved dough
handling and bread quality. During the mixing, oxidizing
agents convert SH groups of the gluten protein to SS
linkages between adjacent molecules, building up the
gluten matrix and providing a stronger dough (Demiralp
et al., 2000). Ascorbic acid content significantly
reduces dough stickiness and directly or indirectly affects the structure and intermolecular interactions of
protein molecules in dough (Nakamura & Kurata,
1997). By creating SS links in the gluten network,
ascorbic acid decreases the extensibility of the dough
and increases its elasticity (Rouille´ , Le Bail