what is the bulk fermentation for?
Hi!
I usually start my bulk fermentation with 5-6 stretch and folds every 30 minutes as soon as the autolyse is done, and wait about 2h more untill the dough rises 1,5 times by volume. Jeffrey Hamelman says that the process of bulk fermentation is for building flavour mostly, and the proofing part is to produce gas. After 1,5- 2h of room temp proofing my dough Is springing back slowly when poked and is ready to bake. I had no questions till I switched to cold proofing (I found it much more convenient for me and I am going to cold proof every single bread I make).