Basics and Techniques: Bulk Prove

There are two main stages of proving — the bulk prove and the final prove. The bulk prove is the stage where the dough has come out of the mixer and is sitting in an oiled bowl or container. The final prove is the stage when the loaves have been shaped and are sitting in a basket or on a tray ready to go into the oven. The bulk prove does not need any humidity or high temperatures, a room temperature of 20°C–22°C (68°F–72°F) is fine.