Red Seal Baker Practice Exam

What common issues can cause bread to not rise properly?

1. Excessive sugar and fat content

2. High oven temperature and overproofing

3. Inactive yeast, improper proofing, or too much salt

4. Using fresh ingredients only

The correct answer is: Inactive yeast, improper proofing, or too much salt

Inactive yeast, improper proofing, or too much salt are indeed significant factors that can prevent bread from rising properly. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in the fermentation and leavening process of bread-making. Inactive yeast can thwart the rising process since yeast is responsible for producing carbon dioxide gas, which creates the bubbles that make bread light and airy. When yeast is expired or not stored correctly, it can lose its effectiveness, resulting in flat bread. Improper proofing is another critical issue. Proofing, or allowing the dough to rest in a warm environment, is necessary for the yeast to activate and produce the gases that cause the dough to rise. If the dough is not given enough time to proof, or if it is allowed to proof for too long, the yeast can become exhausted leading to insufficient rise in the final baking. Additionally, the amount of salt used is vital. While salt is necessary for flavor and controlling yeast activity, too much salt can inhibit yeast growth and fermentation. This can also lead to dense, under-risen bread. In contrast, excessive sugar and fat content can affect the texture and flavor of the bread but are less likely to completely halt the rise. High oven temperatures can cause the outer crust to form too quickly