Putting water in the oven while baking bread serves a specific purpose and is a technique known as "steam baking" or "steam injection." It offers several benefits to the bread-making process and the final product:
Crust Formation: Steam helps create a thin and crisp crust on the bread. When the dough is exposed to steam in the initial stages of baking, it delays the formation of a thick, hard crust. This allows the bread to expand fully in the oven before the crust sets. The steam also aids in caramelization, giving the crust a beautiful golden color.
Oven Spring: Steam promotes "oven spring," which refers to the rapid rise of the dough in the first few minutes of baking. The steam's moisture and heat cause the yeast in the dough to produce a final burst of carbon dioxide, resulting in a lighter, airier texture.
Moisture Retention: The steam helps retain moisture on the surface of the dough during the initial stages of baking. This moisture prevents the crust from forming too quickly and becoming too thick, which could inhibit the bread from expanding fully.
Shiny Appearance: Steam creates a glossy appearance on the surface of the bread, giving it an attractive sheen.
There are a few different methods to introduce steam into the oven while baking bread:
Water Pan: One common method is to place a shallow pan of water on the bottom rack of the oven during preheating. When you add the bread to the oven, the water will create steam as it evaporates.
Spray Bottle: Another approach is to use a spray bottle to mist the dough and the interior walls of the oven with water just before closing the oven door. This method allows for more controlled and localized steam application.
Steam Injection Ovens: Some professional bakeries and high-end home ovens come with steam injection features. These ovens have a mechanism to inject steam directly into the oven chamber, ensuring precise and consistent steam application.
Keep in mind that not all bread recipes require steam baking, and different types of bread may benefit from different amounts of steam. Experiment with steam baking to find what works best for your specific bread recipe and desired crust texture. However, be cautious when using steam in home ovens, as excess moisture can potentially damage sensitive electronic components if not designed for steam baking.