Acidity as structure
A sufficiently acidic rye sour helps protect crumb structure during baking. Under-acidified rye can become gummy even when the loaf appears fully baked.
Rye behaves differently from wheat: starch chemistry, acidity and pentosans matter more than conventional gluten strength.
Rye behaves differently from wheat: starch chemistry, acidity and pentosans matter more than conventional gluten strength. The details below describe the practical choices behind reliable sourdough.
A sufficiently acidic rye sour helps protect crumb structure during baking. Under-acidified rye can become gummy even when the loaf appears fully baked.
High-rye doughs are mixed rather than kneaded. Wet hands and scrapers are more useful than a floured bench.
Rye bread continues setting as it cools. Waiting before slicing produces a cleaner crumb and a more integrated flavour.
“Consistency comes from observation: the clock records time, but the dough records conditions.”
Use temperature, aroma, strength and volume together. Written notes turn one successful bake into a repeatable method.
Explore fermentationFlour carries the grain. Fermentation gives it a voice.
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