Quick Answer
How to make sourdough bread in the Winter is best understood by looking at the process rather than one fixed rule. This guide explains the key signs to watch, the variables that change the result and the practical next step for a home baker.
Baking bread in colder weather can pose challenges due to the lower temperatures affecting the fermentation process.
Here are some tips to improve bread making in colder weather:
1. Warm Ingredients
- Ensure that your ingredients, especially water and flour, are at a slightly warmer temperature than usual. This helps activate the yeast and promotes better fermentation.
2. Use Warmer Water
- Adjust the water temperature in your recipe to be warmer. Be cautious not to make it too hot, as it can harm the yeast. Aim for a temperature around 75–80°F (24–27°C).
3. Extended Bulk Fermentation
- Allow for a longer bulk fermentation. Cold temperatures slow down yeast activity, so give the dough more time to rise and develop flavor.
4. Use a Proofing Box or Find a Warm Environment in your home
- Create a warm environment for proofing by placing the dough in a proofing box, or in a cupboard that is a consistent temperature of around 20’c.
5. Autolyse
- Extend the autolyse period (resting the flour and water before adding the culture and salt) to improve dough hydration and gluten development.
6. Use a Thermometer
- Monitor the temperature of the dough during fermentation. Adjust the environment or the dough’s placement to maintain the desired temperature.
7. Shape Carefully
- Be gentle when shaping the dough, especially if it’s colder, as it can be less extensible. A longer resting period during shaping may be necessary.
8. Adjust Hydration Levels
- Consider adjusting the hydration level of your dough. Slightly higher hydration can make the dough more extensible.
9. Patience is Key
- Embrace the slower process in colder weather. Patience is crucial for achieving a well-fermented and flavorful bread.
By implementing these adjustments and being attentive to the temperature and fermentation process, you can enhance your bread making in colder weather and still achieve great results.
A good way to learn
Focus on repeatability before optimisation. Use one straightforward recipe, keep notes on temperature and timings, and change only one thing on the next bake. You will learn faster from three comparable loaves than from three completely different methods.