Effect of long‐chain inulin on the rheological properties, water state, gluten structure, and microstructure of frozen dough

Summary This study aimed to investigate the effects of long‐chain inulin (FXL) on the water state, rheological properties, gluten depolymerisation, and microstructure of frozen dough. The results suggested that FXL improved the water state and rheological properties of the frozen dough. It also significantly enhanced the proportion of bound water, G ′, G ″ value, and the pasting properties of the frozen dough. FXL effectively increased the content of disulfide bonds, α‐helix, and β‐sheet structures in gluten, thereby enhancing its thermal stability and inhibiting depolymerisation. Microstructure results demonstrated that FXL improved the continuity and uniformity of the gluten‐starch network structure in frozen dough, effectively reducing the mechanical damage caused by ice crystals. The addition of 1 g/100 g FXL better alleviate the deterioration of frozen dough quality during frozen storage and improved its overall quality. These results indicated that FXL can be used as a promising cryoprotectant in frozen dough.