Room Temperature and Humidity

Ideal fermentation happens at about 78°F [25°C] and 80 percent relative humidity. This precise state is rarely available in most people’s homes most of the year. Good bread can be baked in a variety of conditions, but you may have to adjust proofing times to suit your local conditions. Most of us can find a spot in our home that has a relatively stable environment. It might be the inside of a cool oven, on top of the refrigerator, or, if you’re lucky, right on your counter. Just know that if your environment is cooler, your dough might require a longer fermentation or proofing time. Similarly, if it’s warmer, the process might happen more quickly. For the most consistent results, try to keep the environment the same from one time you bake to the next.