The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Why the extra yeast?

Bread Head's picture
Bread Head

Why the extra yeast?

I regularly make the Jim Layhe No Knead bread with great results.

I recently tried making Pan co Santi (jim lahey walnut raisin bread) I found on the internet.  It called for 1/2 teaspoon of yeast instead of 1/4 teaspoon, why?  (The normal recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of yeast.)

Did the dough need more lift because of the weight of the nuts and raisins?

Thank you!

breadforfun's picture
breadforfun

According to Hamelman, cinnamon significantly reduces yeast activity.  One of the components, cinnamic aldehyde is responsible for this.  Other spices such as mace and allspice can cause similar activity reduction.  He probably wanted to keep the fermentation time relatively the same, so the yeast quantity is increased accordingly.

-Brad

 

Bread Head's picture
Bread Head

Thanks Brad, I didn't know that cinnamon does that!

breadforfun's picture
breadforfun

If you don't already have Hamelman's Bread in your library, you should consider it.  It has tons of information on bread baking, both background and practical, in a very easy to read and digest format.  And it has the added bonus of formulas that work and taste good!

-Brad

 

ldavis47's picture
ldavis47

I sprinkle cinnamon on the exterior with a sieve after spraying with water, instead of adding to the dough. When the crust carmelizes, it makes the cinnamon taste very sweet and the aroma is wonderful. And you don't have to worry about impeding  the yeast or starter. 

Lloyd

 

Bread Head's picture
Bread Head

Thanks, that's a great tip.