I always put some waxed paper or Saran Wrap on top of my dough bowl and rising loaf pans. But I was wondering if this is a good practice or not. If I don’t use wrap, the outer layer of the dough tends to form a skin which is not as pronounced if I do use wrap. But maybe that skin is a good thing. Your comments are appreciated…
I use inexpensive shower caps over my bowls and loaf pans. I got that idea from King Arthur Baking. It saves on the waste from using plastic wrap or waxed paper. The elastic will wear out after awhile, though, especially when it's been used on larger diameter bowls.
That’s a great idea!
I tend to use a damp towel for bulk fermentation. For pre-shape rise on the bench and final proofing I just use dry towels. Even with 20-30 minute pre-shape durations followed by up to 45 minutes final proof I don’t seem to notice much in the way of crust on baguettes (70% hydration) or ciabatta (80%). Even when I make @txfarmer’s white sourdough sandwich bread with its epic (upwards of) 7 hour final proof, I’m not having crusting issues with a dry tea towel. Do you maybe live in Arizona or somewhere drier?
Phil
Opposite of Arizona. Quite humid almost all the time…
No problem. Enjoy!
I use plastic wrap during bulk ferment if the container has no cover of its own. You really don't want the surface of the dough dry out. I forgot once, and the result was a nasty mess. The top of the dough got hard. I eventually tore it off and did the best I could with a much smaller loaf.
I use plastic wrap over the loaves while they proof, or on top of the loaf pan if I'm using one. I have been able to reuse these pieces of plastic wrap over and over. I don't have much of a problem with the plastic wrap sticking to the loaf, though for high-hydration loaves it may take some care in how the sheets are removed.
A few times, I have uncovered my loaves early, so the surface would dry a bit and be better for slashing. I wouldn't take that too far, though - I don't want to restrict the rise in the oven.
I wonder if misting with a spray bottle would help rehydrate the loaves.
I bought a yard of unbleached linen from Jo Ann's Fabric and cut it into my preferred sizes. I got more than I need out of that one yard, My wife "pinked" the rectangles out of the cloth and ran a zigzag overcast around the edges, but the stitching is certainly not required. That was just a bit of extra love she added to it for me. :)
These work really well, even 10 years on, and they were super cheap.
Just another idea!
OldWoodenSpoon
Great idea OWS! Thank you for sharing!