Pâte Fermentée

Pâte fermentée, also known as "preferment" or "old dough," is a piece of dough made from previous baking, containing flour, water, yeast, and salt, that has been allowed to ferment and develop flavor over time. It is added to new dough to improve texture, flavor, and fermentation strength. This process enhances the overall quality of bread by introducing natural acids and complex flavors, resulting in a dough that rises better and has a richer taste. Essentially, pâte fermentée acts as a natural starter that boosts the dough’s performance and character.