The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Purpose of stretching croissants before shaping ?

evren's picture
evren

Purpose of stretching croissants before shaping ?

What is the point of pulling and stretching the triangles before shaping? I see a bunch of theories. 

Most of them about getting flakier skin. Is that the reason and if so how does it work scientifically. "under the hood"

Also I see that if I stretch the triangles top part does not rise as much.

Here is a link to some photos My instagram

Eclarner's picture
Eclarner

The longer they are stretched, the more rolls you can get in the croissant.  It'll also make the layers a little thinner, therefore more of them.