Artisan Bread 101: All About Fermentation
Ready to become a super baker today? Why, yeast you are! Seasoned bakers can agree that the process of fermentation is all about the yeast.
Yeast are single-celled fungi that digest food to create energy for growth. Available in different forms such as cake yeast, active-dry yeast, and instant yeast. Thanks to its longer shelf life and quick activation, most home bakers prefer to use instant yeast.
Fermentation greatly affects the texture and overall flavor of your bread so make sure to give your dough enough time to ferment. Shorter fermentation process leads to less flavor and less texture.
The science behind the mixture of flour, salt, yeast, and water, fermentation is what makes your bread, well, bread. The process of fermentation begins as soon as the yeast combines with flour and water.
Pre-ferment
An optional step used in making artisan bread, the process of pre-fermentation allows the flour, water, and yeast to ferment for a longer period of time. Doing this improves overall flavor while also prolonging your bread’s shelf life.
First fermentation
Begin the process of first fermentation by mixing the pre-ferments (flour, yeast, and water) to the rest of the dough. This process can take up to 8 hours for artisan breads and about 15 minutes for straight dough.
Second fermentation
Also known as the final fermentation, second fermentation begins after the dough is first punched. This process takes about 40 minutes and allows your dough to double in size.
Proofing
Proofing is the next step after shaping the dough and before putting it in the oven to bake. The process of proofing activates the yeast and allows the dough to rise. Proofing generally lasts an hour to a day, depending on the bread you’re making.
When done properly, proofing gives your bread a light, airy texture after baking.
Baking
The final step in making the yeast-leavened bread, you are now ready to pop your dough into the oven and watch it go from dough to bread.
One of the final steps before placing your dough in the oven, proper fermentation and proofing gives you the perfect bite each time--golden crust on the outside, soft and pillowy on the inside.
Become a super baker today and get yourself a bread proofing basket set to enjoy artisan bread anytime, right in the comforts of your own home. The Superbaking Proofing Bread Basket set makes the perfect baking buddy for the super baker in you. Each kit comes with the following baking tools:
- Banneton basket
- Basic baking tools (metal and plastic dough scraper, scoring lame, dough whisk, blade with lame case, liner cloth, and plastic brush
Always here for your baking needs, become a super baker today with the Superbaking Bread Proofing Basket set.
P.S. To be notified on our newest blog posts about recipes, news, and tips on bread baking, and to get access to Superbaking’s exciting special offers and promos on our premium baking tools, become a VIP member by subscribing to our mailing list here or joining our Facebook group community here.