diff --git a/book/glossary/glossary.tex b/book/glossary/glossary.tex index d7605bbf..3877f561 100644 --- a/book/glossary/glossary.tex +++ b/book/glossary/glossary.tex @@ -194,6 +194,31 @@ \chapter{Glossary}% together. By adding the starter early the dough becomes more extensible and easier to handle. +\item[Float test] The float test is a technique for assessing the readiness +of a sourdough starter. To perform this test, take a small sample of +your starter and gently place it in a glass of water. The outcome +of this test can provide insights into your starter's fermentation stage. + +\begin{itemize} +\item[] \emph{Positive result:} If your starter effortlessly floats on the +surface of the water, it's a clear indication that it has reached its peak +of fermentation and is ready to be used as a leavening agent in your dough. +This buoyancy is a result of the carbon dioxide gas produced during +the active fermentation process. +\item[] \emph{Negative result:} Conversely, if your starter sinks to the +bottom of the glass, it suggests that it's not quite ready yet. +This indicates that the fermentation process has not progressed +sufficiently for optimal leavening power. +\end{itemize} + +It's worth noting that while the float test is a reliable indicator +for wheat-based sourdough starters, it may not be as effective for non-wheat +starters. This is because the gas generated during fermentation in non-wheat +starters tends to escape more readily, making it less buoyant. For non-wheat +starters, a more accurate approach involves observing the presence of +bubbles in your starter jar and assessing its aroma. A mature starter should +emit a mildly sour, but not overly pungent, scent. + \item[Fool’s Crumb] A term used to describe a crumb structure that has several large pockets or holes, rather than an even distribution of smaller holes. This isn't necessarily a desired feature, as it can indicate uneven fermentation or diff --git a/book/troubleshooting/misc.tex b/book/troubleshooting/misc.tex index 6578cf58..fd83fb40 100644 --- a/book/troubleshooting/misc.tex +++ b/book/troubleshooting/misc.tex @@ -345,6 +345,17 @@ \subsection{Why does my starter smell like vinegar or acetone?} is incredible. It nicely plays with soups as well. Just take a bit of this bread and dip it in your soup. +\subsection{Why does my starter not float after using the float test?} +The float test may not reliably determine your starter's readiness for dough +inoculation. While it's effective for wheat-based doughs, where ample gas gets +trapped in the gluten matrix, it's less reliable for non-wheat doughs. In non- +wheat doughs, the gas generated during fermentation tends to escape, causing +the starter to likely sink. + +For more accurate assessments of your starter's readiness, watch for bubbles +at the container's edge and consider its aroma. A mature starter should emit a +mildly sour scent without being overly pungent. + \section{Dough} \subsection{Should I~autolyse my dough?}