Assessment of the quality of bread made from ancient wheat flour with the addition of amaranth, flax and hemp seeds

Consumers are increasingly seeking bakery products with better nutritional value and health benefits. The aim of the research was to assess the quality of bread made from ancient wheat flours (spelt, einkorn, emmer) with the addition of amaranth ( Amaranthus cruentus L.), hemp ( Cannabis sativa L.) and flax ( Linum usitatissimum L.) seeds. The study evaluated bread made using only equal proportions of ancient wheat flours (Group I), and three variants of bread with the addition of amaranth, flax, and hemp seeds with the following proportions: Group II (10%, 5%, 5%, respectively), Group III (10%, 10%, 0%, respectively), Group IV (10%, 0%, 10%, respectively). The assessment of bread quality included: nutritional value (total protein, fat, fatty, amino acids, acid profile, ash, fiber, minerals), caloric value, physical characteristics (baking loss, color, shear force) and evaluation of organoleptic characteristics. It was demonstrated that bread enriched with amaranth, flax, and hemp seeds exhibited increased nutritional value (higher protein content with a favorable amino acid profile, higher fat content, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, and fiber), acceptable sensory attributes, but darker crust color and poorer crumb texture compared to bread without these additives. Among the examined groups, the highest protein and fat content with a favorable composition of fatty acids were observed in bread from Group IV. Group III bread had the highest hardness and fiber content and fiber content. On the other hand, bread from Group II received the best evaluation in terms of taste, aroma, as well as crust thickness.