Hanna Instruments Australia
The Hanna Advantage: A Worldwide Leader in Technology and Innovation 100% Quality  360 Value
Sales: (03) 9769 0666   |    Mon to Fri: 8:30am – 5:00pm
Hanna Instruments Australia
Sales: (03) 9769 0666   |    Mon to Fri: 8:30am – 5:00pm

Enhancing Bread Shelf Life by Measuring the pH of Bread Dough

Bread is a staple in the diet of most people. It has been made and enjoyed since ancient times. From the loaf of bread to flat bread to white bread to sourdough, it can be found in every corner of the world. For the bakery that produces processed bread that is purchased in the store, it is important to add preservatives that extend the shelf life of the product. The preservatives are used to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria. By extending the shelf life, the bakery can sell more product and thus increase their profitability.

For Hanna Instruments, adding preservatives is important because that they have in lowering pH. The pH of dough is measured to ensure that the pH is low enough to inhibit the growth. Common preservatives added to dough include benzoic acid, tartaric acid and calcium propionate.

There are several methods to measure the pH of dough, but one of the simplest and most effective is to create a slurry by mixing a portion of dough with deionized water. However, directly inserting a pH meter into the dough is not recommended. As shown in the image on the right, this approach can cause significant issues, such as clogging the electrode junction and making it difficult to clean the dough residue from around the glass electrode. Proper technique is essential to ensure accurate readings and maintain the longevity of the pH meter.

Our Solution:

A tortilla manufacturer was looking to measure the pH of the dough before baking. The recommended solution was the HI99161 (Portable Food and Dairy pH Meter) that is supplied with the FC202D pH electrode with built-in temperature sensor. What makes this the ideal solution is the design of the pH electrode. The FC202D has a spear tip electrode for easy penetration into the dough and is completely exposed for easy cleaning. The FC202D also utilizes an open junction design with a viscolene based electrolyte. The open junction design is virtually impossible to clog since any deposits can be easily removed, exposing the reference cell. Lastly, the PVDF body is a food grade plastic that conforms to specifications and requirements for the food processing industry.
As with many applications, it is always important to recommend cleaning solution. With this application, the HI70641L cleaning and disinfection solution for dairy products would compliment the HI99161.

Related posts

How to Clean a pH Meter Probe

How to Clean a pH Meter Probe

How to Clean a pH Meter Probe Maintaining the accuracy and longevity of your pH meter probe is crucial for…

Measuring pH in Acidified Foods

Measuring pH in Acidified Foods

Measuring pH in Acidified Foods Find out all you need to know about measuring pH in acidified foods. To succeed…

Titration Guide Book

Titration Guide Book

Importance of checking water parameters in wastewater Water parameters in wastewater play a crucial role in ensuring environmental sustainability, community…

Subsribe to our newsletter

Latest offers, tips, news, industry insights and resources delivered to your inbox.

You have been successfully Subscribed! Ops! Something went wrong, please try again.