Shelf-life stability of artisanally and industrially produced durum wheat sourdough bread (“Altamura bread”)

Physico-chemical properties and volatile compounds of three commercial Altamura breads were evaluated during storage at 25 °C. Two protected denomination of origin (PDO) artisanally produced Altamura breads (Bari, Italy), characterized either by high (High A) or low (LowA) loaf, and an industrial product, commercialized as “Altamura like” (IndA), were studied. HighA and LowA breads had a tick crust that was also detached from the crumb creating an air cushion between crust and crumb. IndA products had a thinner crust, a more homogeneous crumb structure as well as a more homogeneous water distribution among the different portion of the bread loaf than HighA and LowA. A more pronounced water gradient characterized the artisanal breads. Crust and under crust portion of all breads, and crumb for IndA product, underwent a significant reduction of moisture content and aw during storage. Both artisanal breads were subjected to a more significant crumb hardening than IndA sample. Fresh crusts of artisanally produced breads were also significantly harder than IndA. Fresh IndA samples were significantly less cohesive and less springy than artisanal products; cohesiveness significantly decreased in all samples during storage. A more complex gas chromatographic profile was found in the artisanal bread as a larger amount of volatile compounds was present as compared to the IndA bread. Volatile compounds originated both from microbial activity and non-enzymatic browning. Larger amount of volatile compounds characteristics of yeast fermentation was found in IndA. Volatiles decreased over storage in both samples, more significant in the IndA product.