A baker’s couche is a heavy cloth, traditionally linen, folded into ridges to support baguettes and other elongated loaves during proofing.
Selection and Construction
Choose untreated food-suitable cloth with enough body to hold folds. A dedicated couche should remain dry and free from detergent fragrance.
Professional Use
Flour lightly, arrange dough pieces between raised folds, cover as required and transfer proofed loaves with a board or peel. Shake and brush off flour after use and dry thoroughly.
Cleaning, Safety, and Storage
Clean according to the material and manufacturer’s instructions, dry fully, inspect before use and remove damaged equipment from service.
Chef’s Note
Use specialized equipment when it improves control, repeatability, yield or safety.
Always Cook with Heart. Always!