Whether you’re a bread fiend or someone who just enjoys a good sandwich, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to tell the difference between a loaf of bread and a truly great loaf of bread. You might be wondering how one loaf of bread differs from any other loaf of bread, but any quality bakery will be able to tell you that there certainly is a difference.
While you might not be employed at a quality bakery, it’s absolutely possible for you to be able to quality-check bread like the best of them. Below, we’ve crafted a guide that describes five of the most important qualities you should be looking for in a great loaf of bread.
Crust
A bread without a nice, crispy crust isn’t a bread that’s worth your time. Artisan bread should have a variety of hues in its crust, ranging from golden brown to a light golden color. This ensures you’ll have the best tasting experience.
Air Pockets
Wheat flour is commonly used to make bread because it holds two gluten-forming proteins, but some bakers over-work their dough and end up with a bread that’s far too dense. What you should be looking for in fresh bread is a variety of bubble sizes.
Glossy Interior
Not every bread should look wet on the inside, but a quality bread will have a slightly glossy finish on the inside. In addition, it will spring back when you press your finger into it.
Flavor
If a bread bakery claims to make a good flavored bread, you should be able to smell that flavor before you even bite into a piece. Any decent bread should have a good flavor; it shouldn’t taste like eating air!
Finish
While a loaf of bread doesn’t have to look gorgeous to be tasty, a pretty bread certainly makes eating all the more enticing. A good finish or glaze, especially on sweet breads, should be an indicator of quality.
Above all else, make sure you like the bread you’re eating. A quality loaf of bread means nothing if you don’t enjoy it! With any luck, these tips will help you pick out the best of the best for your palate.