How to bake sourdough bread - Quiz
  • 1. What is the starter in sourdough bread?
A) A commercial yeast packet.
B) A fermented mixture of flour and water containing wild yeasts and bacteria.
C) Just flour and water.
D) Baking soda and vinegar.
  • 2. What is the ideal temperature range for maintaining a sourdough starter?
A) 90-95°F (32-35°C)
B) 50-55°F (10-13°C)
C) 70-75°F (21-24°C)
D) 32-40°F (0-4°C)
  • 3. What does 'levain' refer to?
A) A portion of starter used to leaven the final dough.
B) The type of oven used.
C) The flour used in sourdough.
D) The baking process itself.
  • 4. What is the purpose of autolyse?
A) To add flavor to the crust.
B) To kill any bacteria in the flour.
C) To make the dough sweeter.
D) To hydrate the flour and develop gluten before adding starter and salt.
  • 5. Why is salt important in sourdough bread?
A) It controls fermentation and strengthens gluten.
B) It kills the yeast.
C) It makes the crust darker.
D) It is only for flavor.
  • 6. What is 'bulk fermentation'?
A) Baking the bread.
B) Fermenting the starter separately.
C) The primary fermentation period for the entire dough mass.
D) Kneading the dough.
  • 7. What is the purpose of stretch and folds?
A) To add air to the dough.
B) To remove excess water from the dough.
C) To make the dough easier to handle.
D) To develop strength and structure in the dough.
  • 8. What does 'shaping' refer to?
A) Baking the bread.
B) Mixing the ingredients.
C) Forming the dough into its final shape before proofing.
D) Kneading the dough.
  • 9. What is a 'banneton'?
A) A baking pan.
B) A proofing basket used to support the dough's shape.
C) A type of flour.
D) A kneading tool.
  • 10. What is 'proofing'?
A) Baking the bread.
B) The final rise of the shaped dough before baking.
C) The initial mixing of ingredients.
D) Kneading the dough.
  • 11. What is the purpose of scoring the dough?
A) To add flavor.
B) To control the expansion of the loaf during baking.
C) To let air escape.
D) To make the bread look pretty.
  • 12. Why is baking in a Dutch oven beneficial?
A) It prevents the bread from burning.
B) It traps steam, creating a crispy crust and open crumb.
C) It makes the bread bake faster.
D) It adds flavor to the bread.
  • 13. What temperature is ideal for baking sourdough bread in a Dutch oven?
A) 200-250°F (93-121°C)
B) 300-350°F (149-177°C)
C) 450-500°F (232-260°C)
D) 550-600°F (288-316°C)
  • 14. How can you tell if sourdough bread is done baking?
A) It looks golden brown.
B) It smells delicious.
C) Internal temperature reaches 205-210°F (96-99°C)
D) It feels soft to the touch.
  • 15. What causes a gummy crumb in sourdough bread?
A) Underbaking or insufficient fermentation.
B) Too much salt.
C) Too much flour.
D) Overbaking.
  • 16. What is 'discard' in sourdough baking?
A) Moldy starter.
B) The portion of starter removed before feeding.
C) Unused flour.
D) The finished bread.
  • 17. How does whole wheat flour affect sourdough bread?
A) It makes the bread lighter.
B) It adds more flavor and texture but can make the dough denser.
C) It reduces the sour taste.
D) It has no effect.
  • 18. What is the ideal pH of a mature sourdough starter?
A) Around 7 (neutral).
B) Between 3.5 and 4.5.
C) Below 3 (very acidic).
D) Above 8 (alkaline).
  • 19. Why is it important to let sourdough bread cool completely before slicing?
A) To allow the crumb to set and prevent gumminess.
B) To improve the flavor.
C) To make it easier to slice.
D) To prevent burning your fingers.
  • 20. What does a 'sour' taste in sourdough bread indicate?
A) The presence of lactic and acetic acids produced by bacteria.
B) Underbaking.
C) The presence of mold.
D) Too much salt.
  • 21. What is the purpose of water temperature control in sourdough?
A) To make the dough easier to handle.
B) To add flavor to the bread.
C) To control the crust color.
D) To influence the rate of fermentation.
  • 22. What is 'lamination' in sourdough baking?
A) Adding extra flour to the dough.
B) Gently stretching the dough into a thin sheet and folding it over itself.
C) Baking at a low temperature.
D) Kneading the dough vigorously.
  • 23. Why might your sourdough starter not be rising?
A) It is too old.
B) It might be too cold, too young, or not fed properly.
C) It is being stored in direct sunlight.
D) It has too much flour.
  • 24. What is the role of the 'gluten window' test?
A) To determine the dough's temperature.
B) To check for sufficient gluten development.
C) To test the dough's sweetness.
D) To measure the dough's density.
  • 25. What is the benefit of using rye flour in sourdough bread?
A) It adds a distinct flavor and improves moisture retention.
B) It reduces the sourness.
C) It makes the bread lighter.
D) It requires less fermentation time.
  • 26. What does 'proofing in the refrigerator' do?
A) Prevents the bread from rising at all.
B) Makes the bread rise higher.
C) Slows down fermentation, developing more complex flavors.
D) Speeds up fermentation.
  • 27. What causes large, uneven holes in sourdough bread?
A) Over-fermentation or insufficient shaping.
B) Too much salt.
C) Not enough water.
D) Under-fermentation.
  • 28. What's the impact of higher hydration dough?
A) It shortens the fermentation time.
B) Often leads to a more open crumb and a longer fermentation time.
C) It is easier to shape.
D) It results in a denser bread.
  • 29. What are common additions to sourdough besides flour, water, and salt?
A) Baking powder.
B) Shortening.
C) Seeds, grains, herbs, or cheese.
D) Commercial yeast.
  • 30. What should you do if your dough is too sticky to handle?
A) Add more flour to the dough.
B) Knead the dough for a longer period.
C) Lightly flour your hands and the work surface.
D) Add more water to the dough.
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