May 29, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

We've compiled a treasure trove of answers to common inquiries that will empower you to bake with confidence and creativity. From understanding essential ingredients to mastering techniques that elevate your bread and pastries, let's dive into the world of baking questions and find the answers you've been seeking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baking Questions and Answers with Fresh Milled Flour

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to answering all your burning baking questions! Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pro, navigating the world of baking can sometimes feel like unlocking a delicious mystery. We've compiled a treasure trove of answers to common inquiries that will empower you to bake with confidence and creativity. From understanding essential ingredients to mastering techniques that elevate your bread and pastries, let's dive into the world of baking questions and find the answers you've been seeking.

Additives

No, you do not need lecithin for excellent bread. Learn more about other essential ingredients that contribute to great bread in our comprehensive guide.

No, vital wheat gluten is not necessary for great bread, however it can enhance dough elasticity and rise. Discover how to incorporate it effectively into your recipes if desired, and alternatives.

Techniques & Tests

What is a windowpane, what does it mean, and how can I get one?

Learn about the windowpane test and its significance in dough development to achieve light and airy bread.

These techniques create softer, less crumbly bread by using pre-cooked flour-water mixes. Explore alternatives and learn about their benefits in our detailed discussion. Also, compare Tangzhong vs. Yudane and Dr. Mel's quick no wait yudane method.

Grains

It depends on you and your goals. This post should help you out. There is also another great post on Spelt Nutrition

Baking Bread

How do I make bread?

Master the fundamental fresh milled bread-making method that applies to all types of bread. Understanding this process ensures consistent and delicious results every time.

What temperature should I bake my bread, and for how long?

You can bake your bread at many temperatures, hence it's good to start out following our Baking Bread guide.

How do I know when to stop kneading or mixing my bread dough?
How do I know when to stop kneading or mixing my bread dough?

Understand the signs that indicate optimal kneading or mixing completion to achieve the desired bread texture.

What order should I put my ingredients in the mixer to make bread?

Follow our recommended order of ingredient incorporation for efficient and effective bread dough preparation.

What does it mean when dough is under-proofed or over-proofed?

There are two stages of fermentation, both are called fermentation, while the 2nd is called proofing for clarity. They both follow the same rules. Recognize the signs of under-proofing and over-proofing in dough and how these affect the final texture and flavor of your bread.

In baking, knowledge is the key ingredient that transforms good recipes into exceptional creations. Armed with the insights from our baking questions guide, you're now equipped to tackle any baking challenge with skill and precision. Remember, baking is as much about the journey as it is about the results. Embrace the experimentation, savor the process, and let your newfound understanding of baking fundamentals elevate every loaf, cake, and pastry you create.

Equipment

What pan do I need for my bread recipe?

Explore various baking temperatures and duration with our comprehensive Baking Bread guide to achieve the perfect crust and texture.

Join our Online Community

Ready to ditch recipes and learn more about baking with fresh milled flour using methods and your imagination? Join my Fresh milled Flour Methods group. You can ask questions, share your wins, and more with an expectation of honesty and friendly interaction. I hear it’s the best place to be on Facebook.

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Comments

Amanda H · Jun 2, 2024
Hello,
I am wondering about using wheat berries that are nearing or just past the best by date. How will that change how it performs? Is there a way to store them that helps them stay fresh longer? Thanks!
Reply from Just Mill It · Jun 3, 2024 · https://justmillit.com
Wheat berries kept in tact and properly stored can last for years. They need to put some kind of a date on food sold at the store because “regulations”, but grains are part of an emergency food kit for good reason. Light and air are what you want to avoid, so most people use food grade buckets with gamma lids.
Reply from Melanie Carr · Feb 15, 2026
Wheat berries, when stored properly, can last decades. This is why they are part of emergency food storage, and it's also part of the reason the ancient grain Einkhorn has made a comeback. Make sure your wheat berries are clean, cool, dry, and protected from pests. Some folks store their berries in Mylar bags with oxygen absorbers to make sure any bugs are killed, and they keep those inside food grade buckets. Do not put the oxygen absorbers in the buckets, or the sides will suck inward and you can destroy the integrity of the bucket. I don't do any of that - I just make sure to buy clean grains and store them in a food grade bucket with a screw top sealing lid. Others will freeze their grains for a while before transferring to a bucket - we don't have the space for that, either. I hope this helps. Food sold in the USA has to have a best by date - but I would ignore that unless the grains have been cracked open at all. Intact grains last.
Chris W · Jun 5, 2024
Hi
I wonder if you can answer why after the bread has reached 190-200 internal temp and cooled completely when sliced it's gummy.
Thanks
Reply from Just Mill It · Jun 5, 2024 · https://justmillit.com
Yes, if you are baking an enriched dough (with extra honey and butter), you can bake to a higher internal temperature to avoid the gummy texture. 205-210 in those instances, with all the same conditions.

If you aren’t, I’d wonder if the thermometer needs calibrating.
Reply from Melanie Carr · Feb 15, 2026
Yes of course. If you've baked to temperature and let the bread cool fully, the bread is gummy because you either under-fermented the dough or over-fermented it. Here is how to tell. If the dough has very large holes, or you can see big holes at the top of the loaf but small ones or lots of gumminess at the bottom - that's the sign of impatience or an under-fermented loaf. Let it rise longer next time. Check out the Fresh Milled Bread Method posts to learn how to tell when the dough is ready to move on to the next step. If the dough has been over-proofed, or let to rise too long, you'll see a loaf that has maybe risen in the oven, and then collapsed - you'll see smaller holes in the crumb and possibly some gumminess. The loaf may have even sunk inward. I hope this helps! Join the Fresh Milled Flour Methods group on facebook if you want to learn more.

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