The Fresh Loaf

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Activated Charcoal, Sunflower Seed and Walnut Sourdough Bread

October 18, 2015 - 2:42am
FrugalBaker's picture
FrugalBaker

Activated Charcoal, Sunflower Seed and Walnut Sourdough Bread

In order to celebrate World Bread Day, I have decided to bake something special, just to move out of my comfort zone. So I have baked something unusual, an Activated Charcoal, Sunflower Seed and Walnut Sourdough Bread! 

I was intimidated with the colour at first but it was something that I wanted to try, something about it that really piqued my interest. Finding the charcoal powder was not easy but I got them at last and I bought a few bottles. Not knowing what to expect either, I went ahead and bake it anyway. Below is a short journey of my Activated Charcoal Sourdough journey and I hope you would enjoy reading through.

 

Charcoal Powder                                                               Autolyze stage....messy job, please wear an apron!

                                           

 

Sticky business despite being at 65% hydration                Line canvas with lots of flour and off to the fridge

                                            

 

And finally, the customary crumb shot. The bread as it turned out, has a very mellow taste profile. Just don't get intimidated with the colour, it's all good and worth the work.

 

Last but not least, a homemade Red Velvet Cupcake to reward myself : )

 

As usual, all comments and suggestions are welcome. Happy baking everyone!

 

Best Regards,

Sandy 

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Comments

PalwithnoovenP's picture
PalwithnoovenP
October 18, 2015 - 5:41am

I love that black color with the seeds and nuts poking through. Activated charcoal is said to provide a cleaner taste in food and can help purify and flush toxins in the body. It is a trend now to put it in bread and pastry in some countries but the last time I saw it used was in a bamboo charcoal challah. Love the cake as well. 

Happy Baking

FrugalBaker's picture
FrugalBaker
October 18, 2015 - 5:59am

very much for your kind words. Yes, charcoal can help to detox. Am not aware of charcoal being in trend right now but you are right again, it does lend a 'clean' taste. 

Regards. 

RoundhayBaker's picture
RoundhayBaker
October 18, 2015 - 6:31am

Just what many of us need the morning after. 

Are you going to post the recipe as well?

FrugalBaker's picture
FrugalBaker
October 20, 2015 - 3:18am

400gm Flour

260gm Water (increase or decrease the amount according to what you're comfortable with)

100gm Mature White/Rye Starter (100% hydration)

8gm Fine Salt

1 tbsp of Charcoal Powder (half tbsp would give you a greyish colour) 

20gm Toasted Sunflower Seed

20gm Toasted Walnut 

 

  1. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl except salt. 
  2. Add in water to autolyse for at least an hour.
  3. Add starter.
  4. Mix everything in a stand mixer till homogeneous. 
  5. Perform slap and fold method till good gluten formation is evident. 
  6. Transfer dough to an lightly oiled bowl.
  7. Stretch and fold for every 30 mins. ( I only did this twice as it is warm where I live)
  8. Shape and transfer to a lined, floured Banetton. 
  9. Store in fridge.
  10. Bake the next day at 230 dc in a DO with lid on for 20 mins and lid off for another 20 mins at 220dc.

Let me know how yours turn out, alright?! Happy Baking there. 

dabrownman's picture
dabrownman
October 18, 2015 - 10:49am

bread:-)  That is some fierce spring and bloom too! has to be tasty once you get past the soot:-)  Even darker than Varda's double chocolate malt crumb!  

Zorra will freak out when she sees this one in her World Bread Day Basket!

Well done and happy baking from the Dark Side!

dabrownman's picture
dabrownman
October 21, 2015 - 9:41am

http://ammodomio.blogspot.it/2015/10/focaccia-tipo-barese-al-carbone.html

Charcoal is really in.