Also Known As

Bread Loaves

Description

Bread loaf is the most common and most popular baked product which is had all round the world in some or the other form.

Bread loaves, whether made with whole wheat flour, refined flour, multi grain etc has commonly four main ingredients: Flour, salt, sugar, water and yeast. To make bread loaves, ensure that you scale and weigh the ingredients properly. Once that is done, you can start preparing the dough for bread. Mixed dough for yielding aerated loaf of bread should be fermented for the proper length of time during which time yeast cells act on the sugars and produce carbon dioxide and alcohol. Once fermented, the dough will rise in volume which is because of gas retention. This risen dough is punched to release the gases and placed in greased bread tins. The dough will rise once again inside the tins. Once risen, they are brushed with egg wash or milk wash, sprinkled with sesame seeds or poppy seeds if required and then covered with the lid. It is then baked in a pre heated oven.

A baker makes use of various additives which are collectively called Bread Improvers to improve the quality of the loaf. These improvers enables the baker to produce to produce an improved loaf, with better keeping properties, finer texture, softer crumb, added bloom or enhanced flavour. Bread additives can be in the form of mineral additives, enriching agents or yeast foods like malt sugar, demerara sugar etc.

Do note that a bread loaf should not be sliced when freshly baked. They are best sliced when they are completely cool. Thus, if you have prepared bread loaves at evening, slice them in the morning using a bread slicer or knife.

How to select

A good bread loaf will have a uniform coloured crust, will be firm yet spongy to feel. If purchasing from a bakery, check if freshly baked. You can select from various varieties like white bread loaf, brown bread loaf, garlic loaf, herb loaf, multi grain loaf etc.

Culinary Uses

· Bread loaves are commonly sliced and used as sandwich bread. Apply spreads, butter, vegetables etc to make vegetable sandwiches. Other fillings can include salami, grilled chicken breast, etc.
· Bread loaves can be sliced and then cubed (with or without crust) to make bread croutons.
· Bread loaves which are a little dry or not fresh can be ground into bread crumbs which are used as a coating agent.
· Toast sliced bread loaves and butter for a early morning quick breakfast snack.

How to store

Bread loaves are best used within 2 to 3 days. Cover unused bread loaf with plastic film and then store under refrigerated conditions.

Health Benefits

· Bread loaves are high in carbohydrates.
· Depending on the variety of bread, bread loaf can increase your protein intake and add fiber to your diet. Switching from white bread to whole wheat bread helps relieve constipation.
· They can add healthy vitamins, minerals and fats to the body.
· Eating as a slice of bread before bedtime is known to reduce anxiety and promote sleep.