How to Choose a Great Loaf of Bread

Walking into a good bakery can be overwhelming. Here's a short field guide to identifying a genuinely well-made loaf.

Look at the Crust

A well-baked country loaf has a deeply coloured, blistered crust. Pale, uniformly golden loaves are usually under-baked. The crust should crackle slightly when you press it.

Feel the Weight

Pick up the loaf. A well-made country bread should feel dense for its size — lots of flour and water have gone into it. Suspiciously light loaves often contain air rather than flavour.

Listen and Cut

A fresh loaf should sound hollow when you tap the bottom. Inside, look for an open, irregular crumb with shiny walls — the sign of good fermentation and strong gluten development.