French baguettes are known for their delicious taste and crispy, crusty exterior. But what is it about French baguettes that makes them so special? Special enough to have received UNESCO world heritage status recently! With more than 6 billion baked each year in France, here’s a look at why they taste so good:
- The ingredients: French baguettes are made with simple, high-quality ingredients: flour, water, salt, and yeast. The flour used in French baguettes is typically a high-protein, wheat flour, which gives the bread its characteristic texture and flavor. The water used in the dough should be pure and unchlorinated, as chlorine can affect the taste and texture of the bread. Salt is added to the dough to enhance the flavor and help control the fermentation process. And finally, yeast is added to the dough to help it rise and give it its characteristic flavor.
- The baking process: French baguettes are baked in a special type of oven called a “four à bois,” which is a wood-fired oven. The high heat of the oven helps to create the crispy, crunchy crust that is characteristic of French baguettes. The bread is also baked on a “peel,” a long, flat paddle that is used to slide the bread into and out of the oven. This allows the bread to be baked directly on the hot oven floor, which helps to create the crispy crust and chewy interior.
- The length of the baking time: French baguettes are baked for a relatively short period of time, typically between 15 and 20 minutes. This helps to preserve the bread’s moisture and soft interior, while still allowing the crust to become crispy and golden brown.
- The use of a starter: Many French bakers use a “starter” to make their baguettes. A starter is a small amount of dough that is made from a mixture of flour, water, and a small amount of yeast. The starter is left to ferment for a period of time before being added to the main dough. This helps to give the bread its characteristic flavor and texture.
All these factors contribute to the delicious taste of French baguettes. And whether you are eating a baguette fresh from the boulangerie, or using it at home to make a sandwich, there is nothing quite like the taste, texture and crunchiness of a fresh French baguette!
