Why salt brings out the best in bread

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Seasoning your food is vital. Salt brings out the flavours of a slow-cooked stew, makes caramel even more addictive, and can even elevate cocktails. It's every cook's most used ingredient – so don't overlook the quality. Imagine what good-quality salt can do for your favourite food. Maldon®️ sea salt flakes are made using traditional methods and time-honoured techniques passed down over four generations. Pinch, crush or crumble this salt to take your favourite meals (and desserts) to the next level. This is flavour at your fingertips.

Flour, water, yeast and salt are the four essential ingredients of baking bread. While just a small amount is added, this ingredient should not be overlooked. Failure to add salt to your bread dough will make it rise faster than it normally would, which could lead to weaker flavour development and structure. Salt has the following effects:

1. It slows down the fermentation of the dough
2. It tightens the gluten structure, adding strength
3. It enhances the flavour of the final product

We've created this potato-topped focaccia to showcase the importance of adding salt to your baking. This focaccia is light and airy while the top is crunchy and crispy thanks to the potato topping. Add rosemary to Maldon®️ sea salt flakes to sprinkle over the potato slices before baking.

Get the recipe for potato-topped focaccia here.

Photography: Shavan Rahim
Videography: Romy Wilson
Recipes and production: Jacqueline Burgess
Food assistant: Saxon Angelica Kinnear

For 140 years, Maldon®️ sea salt flakes have been handcrafted in small batches using traditional artisanal methods. The pyramid-shaped, soft, crunchy sea salt flakes contain the perfect balance of natural minerals with a fresh intensity and clean taste, making them the ultimate flavour enhancer.

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