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The use of hydrocolloids in different foods systems has become more commonly applied to improve the texture and quality of baked products. Nevertheless, the effects of these compounds on partially baked frozen chapatti have not been studied. The objective of the present study was to improve the storage stability, quality and shelf life of partially baked chapatti by adding various hydrocolloids, hydroxyl propyl methylcellulose (HPMC), carboxy methylcellulose (CMC) and guar gum, followed by frozen storage for 28 days. Partially baked and fully baked chapattis after frozen storage were analyzed for chemical and sensory attributes at 7-day intervals. Rheological studies showed an increase in water absorption, dough development time and dough stability after the addition of hydrocolloids. In partially baked chapatti with hydrocolloids after frozen storage, an increase in moisture retention and water soluble starch was observed. Sensory characteristics were also improved by combining both techniques. Among the hydrocolloids, HPMC exhibited the best results, followed by CMC and guar gum. These hydrocolloids and partial baking with frozen storage helped to improve the quality, and extend the shelf life of partially baked chapatti.

Indigenous dahi is an analogue to fermented milk product of Pakistan produce by uncharacterized strains of LAB. It hides lots of health beneficial properties and unexplored micro-flora. On microbial examination of indigenous dahi, it was found that L. fermentum was most dominant spp. (22 isolates) of LAB in it. Upon safety assessment eleven showed negative hemolytic and gelatinase activity. All these eleven strains were molecularly characterized through PCR by using universal primers (9F and 1510R). Obtained sequences were submitted to Gene data base of NCBI under accession numbers KX944639-42, KX957930-33 and KY069971-73. Furthermore these strains were screened on the basis of acid and bile tolerance and antimicrobial activity. KX957931, KX957932 and KY069973 were selected for further studies of functional attributes.