Time to rise and shine Bread dough rising in bread pans before going into the oven to bake. (more) What Does It Mean to Proof Bread? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/technology/What-Does-It-Mean-to-Proof-Bread Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Aug 29, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Proofing bread means allowing the yeast within the dough to ferment. During fermentation, the yeast consumes sugar and produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas causes the dough to rise, creating the characteristic airy texture of bread and developing its flavor. The environment in which proofing occurs is critical, because temperature and humidity directly affect the rate of fermentation and, consequently, the quality of the final bread. Typically, the dough is placed in a warm, humid area to encourage yeast activity. For instance, in the sponge-and-dough method of mixing, the dough is fermented in a controlled environment with specific temperature and ...(100 of 194 words)
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