August 23, 2011 - 11:21pm
Levain or Leaven
I know I have read the difference between 'levain' and 'leaven' but now I can't find where I read it and I can't remember what distinguishes one from the other - or if they are one and the same...
So does anyone know the definitions of each of these words? If so, will you be so kind as to refresh my memory with a definition of each?
Thanks,
Janet
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Levain is the french term for leaven, both which mean sourdough culture.
levain
language. French
part of speech. noun
gender. masculine; le levain, les levains
definition. (Eng.) a sourdough culture
"Ce levain est trop vieux." (Eng.) "This sourdough culture is too old."
leaven
language. English
part of speech. noun and (transitive) verb
noun. Any agent used to make dough rise or to have a similar effect on baked goods.
"A sourdough starter is also known as a leaven."
verb. To cause to rise by fermentation, to add a leavening agent.
"Pancakes can be leavened by sourdough or chemical leaveners, like baking soda."
"My sourdough starter is acting strange. It won't leaven my bread. I might have to sin and resort to a physical leavener, like an air compressor."
Thank you Khalid and Thomaschacon for clearing up my confusion. :-)
Take Care,
Janet