Frequently
Asked Questions About Bread Baking
Do you need a bread machine to make bread?
What is a bread mix/premix?
What is bread flour/bakers flour?
What is a bread improver?
My bread is not rising?
My bread is sinking in the centre?
How can I test yeast to see if it is still active?
What is the best way to store dry yeast?
Can I use bread mix with an expired use by date?
There is a variation in the colour of my bread?
How can 1 store my bread to maintain its freshness?
Can I freeze fresh bread?
Can I use Bakers Flour to make biscuits and cakes as well?
How high should my bread rise?
How do I measure ingredients for an optimum loaf of bread?
Are there any preservatives in the bread mix?
How do I store large packs of bread mix?
How can I make the crust of my bread crustier?
My bread mix is damp and lumpy?
The 10kg bread mix does not contain yeast. Why?
Do you need a bread machine to make bread?
No you do not need a bread machine to make bread. Tip Top® Kitchen Collection® bread mixes can be made by hand or in your bread machine. There are step by step hand method instructions on every pack.
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What is a bread mix/premix?
Bread Mixes and Premixes are a convenient way of making bread. Most bread mixes/premixes will contain all the necessary ingredients such as flour, sugar, bread improver salt etc. to make a loaf of bread. Usually, the only addition necessary is the yeast and water.
It is important to check the instructions of what additions are necessary to achieve optimum results.
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What is bread flour/bakers flour?
A variety of flours can be used to make bread. As you will often see, some recipes may call for the use of "Bakers Flour or Bread Flour". This flour is recommended because of it's higher protein content - approx. 11-12%, versus ordinary plain flour or all purpose flour, which will have a lower protein content, usually below 10%.
The amount of gluten, often referred to, as the "protein in flour" is crucial in bread making. When combined with other key ingredients such as yeast or a liquid, the gluten structure in flour plays a pivotal role in influencing the shape, structure, and texture of your baked bread.
Therefore, for optimum results in bread making, Bakers Flour or Bread Flour is recommended.
NB: When using plain/bread/bakers flour, a bread improver should be used.
You should refer to your bread machine manufacturer instructions for recipes using the above flour.
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What is a bread improver?
Bread improver is a baking product, which will help improve the texture and the volume of bread. It is often used when making bread from scratch ie: when not using a bread mix.
If the centre of your loaf is collapsing, it is more than likely that a bread improver may need to be added.
Bread improver has a flour like texture and contains ingredients such as ascorbic acid, soy flour and en2ymes (amylase). It can be purchased from selected supermarkets or Health Food stores. Follow manufacturer's instructions on the quantity to be used.
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My bread is not rising?
Are you using Bread Flour or Bread Mix? If you are using bread flour/bakers flour, you will need to add the additional ingredients such as salt, sugar, bread improver etc. to make bread rise.
If you are using Bread Mix check the following:
- Ensure all ingredients are well within their use by date. Flour should be weighed on a kitchen scale to prevent inconsistencies.
- Check the yeast to see if it is still active. If you have purchased
bulk yeast, it should he stored in an airtight container and refrigerated.
NB: Once the packet of yeast has been opened, the use by date on the packaging is void. The yeast will remain active for approx. 3 weeks once it has been opened. Perform a YEAST TEST after this time to see if it still active, otherwise this will affect the rising of the bread.
- It is normal for most bread to rise at least 1/4 of the way up the bread pan.
- Bulk bread mix packs (5kg, 6kg, 10kg) should be used by people who bake on a regular basis. Once the pack is opened, the protein level begins to deteriorate, therefore affecting the height of the baked loaf.
NB: As wheat is a seasonal product, the protein in flour can be inconsistent, therefore it is not uncommon for the texture and height of the bread to vary. This is more prominent in bulk (5kg, 6kg, 10kg) bread mix packs. This inconsistency does occur when using bulk packs and that the bread will not always reach the optimum height.
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My bread is sinking in the centre?
If you are using a bread/bakers flour, ensure that you are using a bread
improver - approx. 1 -1'/2tsp per 500g flour.
If the you are using a bread mix follow steps 1-4 above.
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How can I test yeast to see if it is still active?
Place 1tsp Of yeast and 1tsp Of sugar in a glass or cup. Cover with approx. 100ml tepid water. Set aside for 20-30 minutes.
If the mixture is frothy the yeast is still active. If there is no frothiness, it is likely that the yeast is inactive. The yeast should be discarded.
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What is the best way to store dry yeast?
Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place or in your refrigerator.
NB: Once the packet of yeast has been opened the use by date on the packaging is void. The yeast will remain active for approx. 3 weeks once it has been opened. After this time the yeast should be tested to see if it still active.
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Can I use bread mix with an expired use by date?
As the protein in flour deteriorates over a period of time, therefore not producing an optimum loaf of bread, it is not recommended that bread mix with an expired use by date be used.
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There is a variation in the colour of my bread?
This is normal and will often depend on the combinations of bread mix/flour and yeast used. This occurs more frequently when unbleached flours are used. This will not affect the taste of the bread.
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How can I store my bread to maintain its freshness?
Because the bread has no preservatives, it is normal for it to become slightly dry after a day or two. To prolong its freshness, store bread in a cool place covered in gladwrap or a clean tea towel.
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Can I freeze fresh bread?
Yes. Preferably slice the bread and wrap each slice individually in gladwrap. Store slices in a plastic bag or airtight container in the freezer for up to 4 weeks.
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Can I use Bakers Flour to make biscuits and cakes as well?
No. The Bakers Flour is specifically designed for making bread, rolls and sweet breads eg. Hot Cross Buns. All purpose Plain or Self Raising flours should be used to make biscuits, cakes, pastries etc.
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How high should my bread rise?
It is normal for most bread to rise at least 1/4 of the way up the bread
pan. If it is
not rising this high, ensure that all ingredients are fresh and are well
within the
use by date.
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How do I measure ingredients for an optimum loaf of bread?
As the weight of flour tends to vary in recipes, we recommend you always weigh flour using kitchen scales. We recommend using Australian metric spoon and cup measurements for other dry or liquid ingredients.
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Are there any preservatives in the bread mix?
No. The Tip Top® Kitchen Collection® bread mixes do not contain any preservatives.
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How do I store large packs of bread mix?
You can decant large packs of bread mix into a container. Ensure the container is tightly sealed after each use to help prevent protein deterioration.
Ideally, keep the bread mix in the bag and ensure the packaging is tightly sealed after each use.
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How can I make the crust of my bread crustier?
Tip Top® Kitchen Collection® do not currently make a Crusty bread mix, however you can try selecting the dark crust colour setting, or prolong the baking time by 10 minutes to achieve a crusty loaf.
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My bread mix is damp and lumpy?
This can happen if the bread mix has been subjected to damp or moist conditions ie. the ambient temperature (humidity) can contribute to this, or if flour is in an exposed container on a hot day where the flour can sweat, or in a cool room (refrigerated).
You are able to use the product, however we cannot guarantee an optimum loaf of bread.
Ensure the flour is kept in a cool, dry place.
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The 10kg bread mix does not contain yeast. Why?
This mix sits at a very competitive price because it does not contain yeast. It is more cost effective to purchase a bulk pack of yeast separately.
