The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

How do seeds affect the taste of crumb?

DanAyo's picture
DanAyo

How do seeds affect the taste of crumb?

How do seeds affect the taste of crumb? Let me clarify.

I love Hamelman’s Five-Grain Levain. I have baked a lot of different breads searching for another bread that rival or at least compete with the Five-Grain. Every bake falls short for taste. When I taste it, I always think, “this doesn’t come close to the Five-Grain”. So, you’re thinking, “just stick with the Five-Grain”. Makes complete sense, except for the fact that I really like baking great breads. And I’d like to bake different breads using various techniques and ingredients. I’d like to experience very open crumb and the Five-Grain has way too many seeds for that type of crumb.

I believe that if the crust and the crumb of the Five-Grain tasted the same without the seeds and cracked rye that I would really enjoy it. I love the flavor and crunch of the seeds, but I think if they were removed (picked out of the bread) that I would still be nuts about the bread.

QUESTION - Do the seeds that are roasted during the bake infuse flavor throughout the bread? I suspect it does, but wanted to hear from others.

QUESTION - I have a home mill and many different grains are obtainable. Should I consider a portion of other certain grains for the flavor profile I seek? Ideas welcomed...

Dan

Danni3ll3's picture
Danni3ll3

I don’t have s long answer but toasted seeds definitely affect the flavour profile.

And freshly milled flour provides a flavour that can’t be beat. I can attest to this having participated in a trial during a cooking class with pitas. The ones made with freshly milled flour were excellent and there was a huge flavour difference.