Frightful French Bread with wicked whole wheat flour gluten

The whole wheat french bread differs in the presence of whole wheat! What makes whole wheat flour different from white flour? The variation between the two lies within the manufacturing process. Whole wheat flour contains the bran, germ, and endosperm, equaling a higher protein content than white flour. The bran and germ do not form the protein gluten so whole wheat breads are commonly darker and more dense. White flour is stripped of the bran and germ and does not contain as many proteins. The bread made from white flour is less colorful and has a sweeter taste. The benefit to making bread with whole wheat flour is the fiber and protein content. The disadvantage to using whole wheat flour is the shorter shelf life. Specifically in this recipe, another brand of active yeast is used (from Chef Bryan). The yeast mixed with water will not be as clumply as the Red Star Yeast Active yeast. The reasoning behind this, is not known, but could be attributed to the temperature of the water. Three cups of whole wheat flour are added. At this point the mixture is a tan brown color and has the same texture as the mixture with white flour. If time is an issue, the dough does not have to sit for an hour. The purpose of letting the dough sit, is to increase flavor. After an hour has passed, slowly add 7 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour while mixing. This dough is stickier than the white bread. Be careful to not add too much flour for this will increase the dough’s stickiness. Knead the mixture until is reaches a dough consistency. This dough will be gritteir than the white dough. Place the dough in a a greased bowl to prevent the dough from sticking to the bowl. 

As mentioned earlier, the substantial amount of protein in whole wheat dough will interfere with gluten formation and a large gluten matrix. will not form. Due to the yeast producing CO2, the dough will rise, but not double its original size. The wheat and white french breads are baked on the same sheet for 45 minutes. The wheat bread is smaller and more dense than the white bread. The wheat bread has a distinct taste. The sweetness of whole wheat flour is missing in this bread.