The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Splitting seams on Baguettes

April 16, 2012 - 5:47am
peteryoung's picture
peteryoung

Splitting seams on Baguettes

Hi, I am Peter Young in Nottingham UK

I have been making bread for a while, but I am currently struggling with baguette seams splitting.

I think it's because I'm not sealing the seams properly during shaping (and perhaps the ends, but then

I usually just roll the ends to a point).  I've heard a bit about 'tension' but I am not sure how to achieve it.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

 

 

 

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lazybaker's picture
lazybaker
Apr 16 2012 - 7:50am

There are two videos on youtube that I like to watch on baguette shaping:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fdNRogR10nM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI-WstoakmQ

Maybe it's the flour. Sometimes too much flour prevents the seams from sealing. Make sure to put a light dusting of flour on the outside part of the dough and not the area where the seams meet together. If you do get flour on it, then just dust the excess flour off and brush a light coating of water. 

If the bread splits at the sides but not at the seams, then it's probably from being underproofed. I have that happen a few times because the loaves were underproofed.

Skibum's picture
Skibum
Apr 16 2012 - 12:02pm

Thanks for sharing!  That is what I like bout this site, I learn something new every day.

Regards, Brian

lazybaker's picture
lazybaker
Apr 16 2012 - 4:12pm

There are other videos that are of help, too. Like this one on proper scoring and improper scoring of baguettes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QdzHuhJ-ls

Bread shaping demo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgqPli_sLLM

So glad Ciril uploaded those videos. They really helped. :)

Skibum's picture
Skibum
Apr 17 2012 - 4:51pm

Thanks for the link lazybaker!  The scoring video, like the previous videos were of immense help.  The scoring of PR's Transitional Rye loaf, was not very clean, with even a very sharp, wet blade still catching.  Perhaps this loaf was over proofed.  I am a newbie, so I don't know.  However as crude as the scoring was using the video technique, scoring mostly lengthwise and overlapping by one third has provided the best bloom I have ever had in a loaf!

Thanks again, Brian

SS

lazybaker's picture
lazybaker
Apr 18 2012 - 4:42am

You're welcome. The bread looks good with the oven spring and scoring. The way the scores open, just like the breads in the video.

Bread that is slightly overproofed is difficult to score because it ends up deflating. When the bread is proofed enough, it scores easily without deflating so much.  I still need a way to figure out when proofing is ideal. Even the poking method doesn't work for me sometimes.  I tend to overproof or underproof.  I hear that it is better to be on the underproof side.

Skibum's picture
Skibum
Apr 18 2012 - 5:15pm

Thanks for your kind and encouraging words!  Quite by accident I discoveredthat King Arthur Flour sells those beautiful looking pro lames for $6.95:

http://www.kingarthurflour.com/shop/items/lame-bread-slashing-tool

Shipping etc to Canada was unfortunately about $25, so I ordered 3 and can't wait to use the tool!  

I suppose the next step in this bread baking addiction will be a grain mill.  I was eyeing the red and white wheat berries at the local health food store today . . .

Best regards, Brian

PS  the information sharing and amount of excellent information posted on this site is amazing!  Thank you fellow bakers! 

peteryoung's picture
peteryoung
Apr 17 2012 - 4:41am

Wow, they are really helpfull vids

Many thanks Lazy Baker

Peter