Application of controlled fermented amaranth supplemented with purslane (Portulaca oleracea) powder to improve technological functionalities of wheat bread

Application of controlled sourdough (SD) containing protective starter cultures in combination with vegetable powders is an emerging approach to improve wheat bread quality and shelf-life. In the present study, predominant lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from fermented amaranth were screened based on their antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger. Then, the selected LAB isolate (Levilactobacillus brevis) was used as starter culture in controlled fermented amaranth (CFA) containing purslane powder (PP) to produce enriched wheat bread. Supplemented wheat bread with CFA showed the lowest crumb hardness compared to the other enriched samples. Furthermore, combined application of CFA and PP improved textural features rather than the PP alone. The lowest amount of surface moldiness (35.00 %) was also belonged to the sample containing CFA, which was significantly (P