EN
If you love baking bread at home, one of the common issues you must have faced is your dough getting stuck to the proofing basket. This is very annoying and allows it to become problematic when you transfer the dough into your baking pan. But fear not! Don't worry œ you could avoid this by following a few simple steps, and would make sure your next bread will turn out perfectly before it hits the oven!
What list of tips would be complete without choosing the correct flour for dusting?
Using the right flour to dust your proofing basket is one of the simplest ways you can prevent your dough from sticking together. Just make sure you flour it very generously before your place your dough in the basket for rising. This will make the dough not stick to the basket. All-purpose, whole wheat or cornmeal for dusting.
Properly greasing the proofing basket
You can also dust the proofing basket with flour and / or grease it for non-stickiness. After greasing the inside of the basket with vegetable oil or butter that attaches, add flour. Covering the whole surface of the basket should give it a non-stick coating. This will make the dough release well at baking time in order to be transferred to a pan. Make sure to re-grease the few times you use bread proofing basket for dough not to stick.
That Coating of Flour-Water
Another method that would keep the dough from sticking to your proofing basket is by making a flour-water concoction for coating. Just mix a little flour and water, then paint the inside of your basket with it. The mixture of flour and water in the paste will dry up to provide a light barrier that prevents the dough from clinging. This way it is simple and easy, especially when working with wet dough which can be quite sticky. Play around with the quantities water and whey until you get a smooth dough.
Letting dough rise before rolling and putting in basket
A mistake can be transfer the dough to the proofing basket before it is ready. Whatever you do, let the dough rise well before it hits the basket. This will allow the gluten in the dough to relax and keep it from adhering to the bread-proofing-basket. A general guideline is to proof the dough until it has more than doubled, then shaping the loaf. Be patient and let your dough proof completely so it releases cleanly from the basket.
Regularly cleaning and maintenance of your proofing basket
Your proofing basket should be cleaned, & maintained to avoid dough sticking to it. Shake basket after each use, remove any remaining flour and crumbs from the surface for a long-lasting lifespan. You may need to use a soft brush to loosen any stuck on residue. Do not use strong cleaning products or soak make the basket water, as this may damage the natural fibers and affect its non-stick properties.
Be sure to let the basket fully dry before storing as well. Good air circulation is also essential to avoid mould and mildew damage. Keep the basket in a cool and dry place at room temperature, preferably out of direct sunlight. After years of use, the bakery proofing basket might take on a new shape when this happens, just wet the fibers and adjust it with your hands.