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Baking3 min read

How to Read a Crumb Shot Like a Baker

A guide to interpreting the interior of a sourdough loaf — what open, tight, gummy, and even crumb each tell you about your process.

Big, glossy holes clustered at the top: underproofed. The bread ballooned in the oven instead of expanding evenly.

Small, tight crumb throughout: overproofed, or under-fermented flour, or both.

Even, medium holes with translucent walls: you nailed it. This is what most home bakers should aim for, not the giant Instagram holes.

Gummy strip near the bottom: underbaked. Bake ten minutes longer, or lower the rack.

Take a photo of every loaf you cut. Six months of crumb shots is a real baking education.