Lesson plan
Desem
Desem (pronounced DAY-zum) (Dutch for "leaven") is both a type of sourdough starter made from whole wheat flour, spelt flour or other flours (such as kamut, durum and tritordeum) and water, and the resulting bread. Desem starter is traditionally used in Belgium to make healthy, nutrient-rich bread. The starter is grown in a bed of flour at cool temperatures until it reaches sufficient maturity. The starter is not exposed to outside bacteria and yeasts, but achieves its leavening power from organisms present in the whole wheat flour itself. For this reason, desem starter is best made with grains free of chemicals (i.e. organically grown without herbicides, pesticides or dessicants) and water that does not contain chlorine or fluoride. The leavening power of desem starter may be stronger than that of typical sourdough starters. The term "desem" also describes the loaf made with this starter. Desem bread made from a mature desem is characterized by a strong rise, and a light texture, with a nutty taste. When made properly desem bread is less sour than German or San Francisco sourdough breads. The loaf is similar in process to the French "pain au levain", but made with whole wheat flour and starter instead of white flour. Desem bread is considered to be a "naturally leavened" bread, rather than a "yeasted" bread. It keeps well and digests comfortably.…
Article summary
Desem (pronounced DAY-zum) (Dutch for "leaven") is both a type of sourdough starter made from whole wheat flour, spelt flour or other flours (such as kamut, durum and tritordeum) and water, and the resulting bread. Desem starter is traditionally used in Belgium to make healthy, nutrient-rich bread. The starter is grown in a bed of flour at cool temperatures until it reaches sufficient maturity. The starter is not exposed to outside bacteria and yeasts, but achieves its leavening power from organisms present in the whole wheat flour itself. For this reason, desem starter is best made with grains free of chemicals (i.e. organically grown without herbicides, pesticides or dessicants) and water that does not contain chlorine or fluoride. The leavening power of desem starter may be stronger than that of typical sourdough starters. The term "desem" also describes the loaf made with this starter. Desem bread made from a mature desem is characterized by a strong rise, and a light texture, with a nutty taste. When made properly desem bread is less sour than German or San Francisco sourdough breads. The loaf is similar in process to the French "pain au levain", but made with whole wheat flour and starter instead of white flour. Desem bread is considered to be a "naturally leavened" bread, rather than a "yeasted" bread. It keeps well and digests comfortably.…
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Discussion questions
- Summarise the article in your own words. Which single claim would you verify first, and why?
- Which claim in this article is most likely to be revised as the sources update? How would you check its current status?
- If two sources disagreed about one of these facts, what would you need in order to trust one over the other?
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