Baking bread is an ancient tradition that dates back to the time of the flints. Even then, people appreciated the benefits of fresh, home-baked bread. Using the simplest ingredients such as flour, water and yeast or sourdough, they were able to make a dough that was baked in a hot oven to make a perfect loaf of bread.
From the flint to the oven – The story of bread
Simple tips and tricks ensured that the bread was not only baked well, but also baked correctly. Over the millennia, bread baking has evolved and has been continually adapted to the needs of the times.
Nowadays we not only have a variety of recipes and techniques at our disposal, but also modern ovens that make bread baking a simple and convenient task. The traditional craftsmanship of bread baking meets modern technologies that make it possible to conjure up perfect loaves of bread.
How bread baking began
Bread baking has a long history and its origins go back a long way. It started with simple ingredients like flour, water and yeast or sourdough. People in earlier times did not know about modern ovens or complex recipes. Their knowledge of bread baking was passed down from generation to generation and they developed simple techniques to make a perfect dough. The secret was to mix the right amount of water and flour and knead the dough well. Over time, tips and tricks were developed to shape and knead the dough properly. The bread was then baked on hot stones or in homemade wood-fired ovens. It took patience and experience to recognize the right time to bake.
Making bread was not an exact science, but rather an art based on feeling and instinct. There were no exact measurements or ready-made recipes. Each baker found his own method to make a good loaf of bread. Despite the simplicity of the techniques at the time, the results were often impressive.
The homemade bread had a unique taste and a pleasant consistency. It was not only filling, but also a symbol of hospitality and community. In the centuries that followed, bread baking developed further and became an important craft. New technologies such as ovens and improved recipes enabled a greater variety of bread types and more efficient production. But the beginnings of bread baking can still be felt today and have had a significant impact on the craft.
Although a lot has changed over time, it can be said that the simple and good basics of bread baking have remained the same to this day.
In Germany alone, there are thousands of types of bread, from regional specialties to internationally inspired varieties. Each bakery often has its own unique selection of breads. In addition, there are the different types of bread from all over the world.zen world, such as baguettes, naan, tortillas and many more.
The changing times: traditional craftsmanship is modernized
Bread used to be baked in simple ovens or even over open fires, but today modern ovens offer us a variety of functions and settings to make baking even easier and more efficient. With the right ingredients such as flour, water, yeast or sourdough, anyone can make delicious bread at home.
Recipes and tips available online provide a wealth of information on how to make the dough perfectly and set the oven correctly to get the best possible result. Thanks to modern technology, ovens can now automatically adjust the ideal temperature and humidity to bake bread evenly and perfectly.
However, alongside technological advances, the taste preferences of today's consumers have also evolved. New bread variations and innovative recipes have become popular in recent years. Manufacturers are experimenting with different types of flour, spices and other ingredients to create unique and exceptional breads. Whether it's gluten-free, vegan or healthy options, the variety and possibilities in bread baking are greater today than ever before.
Modern ovens offer a variety of functions to optimize baking. From automatic temperature control to the steam function for a perfect crust, the possibilities are endless. There are also special baking pans and proving baskets that shape the dough optimally and give it a beautiful texture.
Is it cheaper to bake bread yourself?
It is often cheaper to bake bread yourself. When you buy bread from a supermarket, you not only pay for the actual product, but also for the packaging and transport. When you bake it yourself, you save these additional costs. But of course, you have higher energy costs.
In addition, you can save a lot of money when baking your own bread by buying the ingredients in bulk. Flour, yeast and other basic ingredients are often available in larger packages and have a lower unit price than ready-made bread. If you then buy these ingredients in bulk and store them, you can use them for multiple baking sessions and thus save money in the long run.
Homemade bread also offers the opportunity to take individual preferences and needs into account. For example, you can use wholemeal flour or special seeds to make a healthier bread. In the supermarket, such variations are often more expensive or not available at all. However, it is important to note that baking bread yourself also requires additional time and effort. You have to get the ingredients, prepare the dough, let it rise and then bake the bread. If you don't have the time or inclination to bake bread regularly, it may make more sense to buy it in the supermarket, despite the cost savings.
How long does bread have to bake in the oven?
Depending on its size and type, a loaf of bread needs to be baked in the oven for different lengths of time. In general, bread should be baked at a temperature of around 200°C to 230°C. However, the exact baking time depends on various factors, such as the consistency of the dough, the desired degree of browning and the type of bread.
For a classic white bread, the baking time is usually around 30 to 40 minutes. It is important to check the bread regularly to avoid burning. A wholemeal bread takes a little longer - around 40 to 50 minutes - due to the higher moisture content and longer baking time of the wholemeal flour. Crispy baguettes or rolls are usually baked at higher temperatures and for a shorter baking time. The baking time for baguettes is usually around 15 to 20 minutes.
However, it is important to note that these are only guidelines. Due to individual differences in oven performance and desired consistency of bread, baking time may vary. Therefore, it is advisable to check the bread regularly by tapping it and hearing a hollow sound or doing a test with a wooden skewer and making sure no dough sticks to it. It is always best to follow the instructions of the specific recipe and adjust the baking time and baking temperature accordingly.
Would you like to know more? Then we can help you here:
- https://www.einfachbacken.de/brot-selber-backen-die-besten-rezepte
- https://www.gaumenfreundin.de/einfaches-brot-backen/
Will bread bake with convection?
Bread can be baked with convection. When baking with convection, the warm air in the oven is evenly distributed by a fan. This allows for even heat distribution in the oven, which results in a faster and more even baking time. However, there are a few things to consider when baking bread with convection.
Since convection can dry the dough, it is important to moisten the oven with a bowl of water or place a bowl of water in the oven to maintain humidity. This will help to obtain a crispy crust and keep the bread moist. In addition, the baking temperature should be reduced by about 20 degrees Celsius when using convection, as convection can brown the bread faster. It is advisable to monitor the temperature during the baking process to achieve a perfect result.
Another advantage of baking with convection is the ability to bake several loaves of bread at the same time, as the air flow ensures an even crust formation on all loaves.
The most popular types of bread in Germany
In Germany there are a variety of popular types of bread, which can vary from region to region.
Some of the most famous and popular types of bread in Germany are:
- Rye bread: Traditional and robust bread made from rye flour, available in different variations such as sourdough bread or mixed bread.
- Wheat bread: Classic bread made from wheat flour. It is often lighter and fluffier than rye bread and is available in various forms such as baguette or whole grain bread.
- Wholemeal bread: Healthy bread made from wholemeal flour and therefore rich in fiber and nutrients. There are different varieties such as wholemeal spelt bread or oat bread.
- Black bread: Dark, strong bread, often made from rye flour. It has an intense flavor and a firm consistency.
- Pumpernickel: A special type of black bread that is made by baking for a long time and at low temperatures. It is very dark and has a sweet note.
- Mixed bread: A bread made from a combination of rye and wheat flour. It offers a balanced mix of taste and texture.
- Baguette: A French, long white bread that is also very popular in Germany. It is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
This list is of course not exhaustive and there are many other regional types of bread in Germany, each with its own unique characteristics and flavors.