Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hi, I'm doing a science project comparing the effects that the types of flour and water used to made bread have on the final product. Right now, the only quantitative data that I can think of to compare the breads is to compare how much they rise and the size of the bubbles that are inside the bread. Do you have any ideas of other quantitative data I can collect to compare the breads?

Thanks!

Hi!

Some other data I can think of would be measuring the volume after the bread has proved, as I imagine that would be different for different breads. You could also test how springy the bread is by pressing a finger into the bread and testing if it bounces back. However, this would be more qualitative. Other things, such as taste and toughness (on a scale of 1-10), can be collected if you are trying the bread. I think analyzing the crumb of the bread is a great idea! Something to also think about is the distribution of bubbles/aeration within the bread. Are there more bubbles at the top? Are they spread evenly across the bread? The distribution of the bubbles can impact the taste and feel of bread greatly. I hope this helps!

Thanks, Probiotics

Hey Charlotte
You could calculate the elasticity of the bread, which you could use as a quantitative measurement as to whether the bread is "soft" or "tough". I would take a look at creating at experiment that would let you calculate elasticity using Young's Modulus E=(Force/Area)/(Change in Length/Original Length)

Happy Baking!
Kevin

Hi Charlotte,

While Probiotics and kwdavenport123 have provided great recommendations for your project, I've thought of a few more quantitative measurements that you could consider using in your experiment.

Firstly, you can compare the final weight of the loaves, as well as their final density. Secondly, you can measure each loaf's weight before and after it has been baked, and then compare the loaves' change in weight. The same could be done with the density of the bread.

I hope that my recommendations will prove helpful; I wish you the best with your project!

cvionis

I would take a look at creating at experiment that would let you calculate elasticity using Young's Modulus E=(Force/Area)/(Change in Length/Original Length)