Dusting

Why Dusting Your Sinless Sourdough Matters

The dusting process is exactly the same for both Fiber Flora and Lifestyle Lina recipes but not for Discard Diva recipes.

Dusting your low-carb Sinless Sourdough loaf or baguettes with a bit of wheat flour is a balancing act between looks and nutrition. When used properly on your artisan doughs, this traditional technique makes your bread look more professional and helps with scoring. For low-carb baking, it’s important to be thoughtful about how much flour you use.

For Those on Low Carb Diets

If you’re strategically counting carbs because you’re on a low carb diet, use the wheat flour very sparingly. Remember that wheat flour contains approximately 70-75% carbohydrates by weight. Even a light dusting adds some carbs to your otherwise low-carb bread. You might consider:

• Using the absolute minimum amount needed for scoring
• Dusting only the areas where you’ll be scoring
• Gently brushing off excess flour before baking
• Skipping the dusting entirely if you’re on a strict carb restriction plan

Why Wheat Flour Instead of Rice Flour

Many traditional bakers use rice flour for dusting because it doesn’t burn easily. However, since you’re already adding wheat flour to your preferment in Sinless recipes, it makes practical sense to use wheat flour for dusting as well. This approach:

• Simplifies your ingredient list
• Maintains consistency in your recipe
• Prevents having to buy an additional specialty flour just for dusting

Why Use Wheat Flour for Dusting

• Creates that classic artisan bakery look
• Makes scoring easier and cleaner
• Helps form a beautiful crust
• Doesn’t burn in the high heat of a Dutch oven

Carb Considerations

• If you’re carefully counting carbs, use just a light dusting
• If a small increase in carbs is acceptable, you can use a more generous amount for a more dramatic appearance
• Remember that most of the dusting stays on the outside of the bread

Why Other Flours Don’t Work

• Coconut, almond, and other low-carb flours burn easily in the oven
• These alternative flours have higher fat content and lower protein, making them unsuitable for dusting
• Wheat flour has proteins that form a protective layer when heated
• The starch in wheat flour helps spread heat evenly, preventing burning

Benefits for Your Crust

• Creates a thin, crisp outer layer
• Contributes to that satisfying crunch when you bite into the bread
• Helps develop the golden colour that makes bread look appetizing

A small amount of wheat flour for dusting won’t significantly impact the overall carb count of your low-carb bread, but it will greatly improve its appearance and crust quality.