The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Thirsty Grains?

Casey Wheeler's picture
Casey Wheeler

Thirsty Grains?

Normally my starter is around 60% whole grain and 40% white flour, then started using a rye starter with this current batch and the dough is much much stickier. My recipe is 100% flour 66% water 12% starter (equal parts water & grain) and 3% salt. 

Again the whole wheat/bread flour starter i get a very workable dough with great gluten strength but with this rye starter i'm making a mess. Help/Suggestions/Insight?

Mini Oven's picture
Mini Oven

yes, sounds normal.  Salt is too high for me, I go max 2%.    Autolyse the wheat flour with the water before adding the starter might help.

Levin bred's picture
Levin bred

my hydration is generally no lower than 80%

Casey Wheeler's picture
Casey Wheeler

must've been a fluke. second batch is on the cooling racks and it was a totaly different experience. the dough was beautiful, shaping and proofing perfect, oven bounce as you would expect. I don't know what happened the first time to give me my two bricks but I hope i can keep consistency with the rye starter.