Bread Crust

How Sourdough Hydration Shapes Your Loaf's Crumb and Crust

Sourdough hydration, the percentage of water in a recipe, is the most influential variable for controlling a loaf's crumb and crust texture. Understanding how water interacts with flour and yeast allows bakers to intentionally design their desired bread characteristics, from dense sandwich loaves to airy, open-crumbed crusty breads.