<< Back to Ask Martin index

Accuracy of Measurements

The best quality loaf will only be obtained if the appropriate amounts of Premix, water and yeast are used. The proportions of each ingredient relative to the others (especially water and Premix) are much more important than the overall quantities.

The Instructions that we provide with each pack of Premix provides a Recipe stating both weights and volumes.

We suggest that an accurate set of scales be used to measure the weights of both Premix and Water.

The use of the weights as suggested in our recipes will provide the most reliable results, but the procedure of weighing ingredients is more time consuming than using simple volumetric measures.

Volumetric (cup) measures are simple and quick to use, they are readily available, and can be reliably accurate enough provided that our Instructions are followed.

Be aware, however, that the weight contained by even a “Standard Cup“ Measure can vary enough to drastically affect the resultant loaf quality.

For example

• Different people will scoop up and settle varying amounts of Premix into a set volume, enough to upset the correct proportion of water to Premix.
• We take the normal “Standard Cup“ to contain 230 ml or grams of water, but “Metric cups“ contain 250 ml of water.
• Many so-called “Standard Cups“ vary.
• Cups can be difficult to use effectively. As an example, the measuring cup included with the Panasonic SD200 displays a mark that accurately indicates the level of a standard cup, but this level mark is set below the top edge of the Panasonic cup. If this cup is unwittingly filled with Premix to the top of the cup, and it is difficult to do otherwise, the cup will hold about 12% more premix than our 230 ml standard cup. Thus 12% extra water must then be added to provide enough water to ensure that loaf quality is as expected. (typically about 50 ml).
• Water can be difficult to measure accurately in most household jugs. An effective measuring cup for water should clearly indicate 10 millilitre increments.

If volumetric measures are to be used, then an accurate set of scales should be used to first establish what weight is contained by these available cup measures. It is then possible to take into account the inherent inaccuracies of these cup measures.

The ultimate quality target of measurement is to obtain correct dough consistency, and this is achieved by reliably measuring and adding the water and Premix in the correct relative proportions.

Our best indication of the correct proportion of water to Premix is the “Water Rate“ that we state in our Instructions for each individual Premix.

Our Instructions for each Premix describe the observable characteristics of a dough of the correct consistency during the kneading process.

Water and Premix additions should be 'fine tuned' as a result of observation of the dough during the kneading process in line with our Instructions, and the quality of the final loaf judged. The recipe for future loaves may then be varied in line with the resultant loaf quality.

Standard Teaspoon Measures can also vary, but in general, loaf quality is less affected by variation when spoon measures are used to measure yeast than the variations caused by cup measurement of water and Premix.