Why use a cold retard?
Placing dough in the fridge for 12-24 hours slows yeast but allows bacteria to produce acid, creating better flavor and blisters.
Fermentation Timeline
Reverse-engineer your schedule. Eat fresh bread on time.
Recommended Gear
Consistency requires a Dutch Oven.
Common Baking Questions
How long is bulk fermentation?
At 72°F, bulk fermentation typically lasts 4-5 hours. In warmer kitchens (80°F+), this can drop to 3 hours.