Pyrolysis

Pyrolysis (alternatively pyrolisis) is the chemical transformation of carbohydrate and protein that takes place when food is cooked in a dry atmosphere, such as when baking, roasting and grilling.

Pyrolysis is one of the processes that causes bread to turn brown and harden. The other is the Maillard reaction.

Want to find out more? Look at the chapter on pre-ferments in the book flour and water.

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