A tool employed in baking, particularly in sourdough bread making, assists in determining the correct proportions of ingredients required for maintaining or adjusting a sourdough culture. For example, a baker might use it to calculate how much flour and water to add to an existing starter to achieve a specific hydration level or to increase its volume for a larger batch of dough.
This instrument streamlines the process of managing a sourdough culture, ensuring consistent results and minimizing waste. Historically, maintaining a healthy culture relied on experience and intuition; these tools provide a more precise and repeatable method. By removing the guesswork, bakers can focus on other aspects of the baking process, such as fermentation time and shaping techniques, ultimately leading to improved product quality and efficiency.