Enrichment of Bread With Green Pumpkin, Watermelon and Cucumber Peels: Physicochemical, Pasting, Rheological, Antioxidant and Organoleptic Properties

Sustainable food production through harnessing the potential of phenolic-rich vegetable by-products is crucial to ensuring food security. Thus, the current work signifies the impact of vegetable peel powder (VPP) substitution (3%, 5%, and 10%) on the physico-functional, pasting, gel texture, dough rheology, antioxidant and sensory properties of panned wheat bread. The VPP’s existence elevated the oil and water holding capacities (OHCs and WHCs) of the composite flour. The pasting properties, such as final and peak viscosities (cp) and pasting temperature (°C), were significantly debilitated (p < 0.05) with the substitution of VPP. Moreover, the composite flour gels showed reduced hardness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, and gumminess. The micro-doughLab data showed that the dough showed elevated dough development time and water absorption, greater softening and lower stability with enlarged VPP substitution. The final baked bread obtained a lower volume, a lower specific volume and a darker crust and crumb, whereas lipids, proteins and minerals were magnified by the increased substitution of VPP. An impressive increase in total phenolic content was noticed with a marginal surge in flavonoids; however, antioxidant activity was amplified significantly (p < 0.05) for the extract of VPP-containing bread. Although the bread substituted with VPP remained less accepted by sensory analysis for its colour, taste, flavour, texture and overall acceptability, it could be a potential source of fibres, minerals and other beneficial bioactive components that would enhance the consumer’s life quality and health.