How to Care for Bannetons

• Generally called a Banneton, brotform or brotformen, these bread molds are used for the rising of the dough (also called proofing). The basket coils and flour dusting provide a beautiful shape and decor for a traditional hearth loaf.
• All natural bread rising baskets.
• Hand woven willow

Use & Care of Banneton Baskets

Initial Treatment

• Spray the inside of the baskets lightly with Food
• Release Spray with flour, or a similar grease dust.

To Use

• Flour the Banneton and place the kneaded dough in the basket to rise.
• Once it has sufficiently risen, unmold the loaf and transfer it onto a baking sheet for the oven.

Cleaning

• Shake and brush out excess flour after every use.
• Let baskets air-dry thoroughly before stacking or storing them.
• A few times each year, when used on a regular basis, place in the oven at 250°F together with a bowl of water, for about 20 minutes.
• Let baskets air-dry thoroughly before stacking or storing them.
• Wash basket with a brush and hot water every six months or so.
• After such washings, let it air-dry before storing, and spray with Food Release Spray with flour before using.

Tips

• You can knead the dough by hand, or using a bread machine or mixer. Weigh flour 8-12 oz to yield about a Lb; 16-20 oz for 2 Lbs; 28-32 for 3-4 Lb.
• (Remember that the weather, quality of the yeast, type of flour and percentage of whole grains used greatly affect the size and rise).
• For better texture and crust, many bakers let the dough rise in a greased bowl first, and then transfer it into the Banneton for the second and final rise.
• As you experiment with your recipe, remember that the day’s weather, quality of the yeast, type of flour, and quantity of whole grains used can greatly influence the final rise of your bread.
• Do not use the Banneton basket for baking the loaf. Use it only for the rising.
• Purchase our rattan banneton proofing basket here.