is the linen for lining proofing basket the same as the one use as couche?
Hi
I currently either bake my bread in loaf tins or just leave them as flattish loafs on a parchment. Everything turns out well: shape, rise, crumb, crust etc. Lately I have been venturing into rather high hydration dough and have started proofing in "baskets". I currently improvise with a cotton tea towel (not terry cloth) lined bowl. I have major issues with the dough sticking absolutely horrendously to the towel despite having rubbed an obscene amount of rice flour into the towel. It sticks so badly that I need another person to help me hold the cloth while I carefully pry the dough away and still come away with a completely ruined loaf or boule.
I am thinking of investing in proper flax linen, not only in hope it will stick less but also I prefer something perfectly food grade. I see linen on sale online but they are all for couches. I would like to know whether the couch linen can serve both functions: as a couche as well as for lining proofing baskets or are the couche linens too thick as basket liners.
Thanks!
How about these? http://www.sfbi.com/baking-supplies/linen-liners
The best way I prevent sticking of my 100% sourdough breads when using baskets or clothes is to sprinkle/rub in brown rice flour.
I always proof in towels and I've had no problem even with white flour dough at 80% by just sprinkling a tiny amount of white flour (about a tablespoon).
However, I think it's because of the type of towel. I use Russian towels that are very thin, hard and very tightly knitted.
Had I used fluffier fabrics, like standard tea towels, I'm sure the wetter doughs would have to be scraped off.