Prosphora baking

[ASchisel72]

I have recently been baking prosphora. The bread bakes well and looks as it should. The issue I am having is, within 12 hours the bread is hard as a rock. Was wondering if anyone has any ideas.

 

[Reluctant Theologian]

I have recently been baking prosphora. The bread bakes well and looks as it should. The issue I am having is, within 12 hours the bread is hard as a rock. Was wondering if anyone has any ideas.

Literally I have no clue about baking at all, but ChatGPT gives you the following advice - enjoy !

The issue with prosphora (the bread used in Orthodox Christian liturgy) becoming rock-hard within 12 hours is likely due to one or more of the following factors:

1. Low Hydration (Not Enough Water)​

• Prosphora is traditionally made with just flour, water, yeast, and salt—no fat or sugar, which normally help retain moisture.
• If the dough is too dry, the bread will lose moisture quickly and harden.
• Solution: Slightly increase the water content in the dough.

2. Overbaking​

• If the bread is in the oven too long or at too high a temperature, it will dry out more quickly.
• Solution: Try reducing the baking time slightly or lowering the oven temperature.

3. Cooling & Storage Issues​

• If prosphora is left in the open air too long after baking, it will dry out.
• Solution: Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it in a clean, slightly damp towel.

4. Flour Type​

• Using a very low-protein flour (like cake flour) could make the bread more fragile and prone to drying out.
• Solution: Stick to high-quality all-purpose or bread flour.

 

[All4Christ]

I have recently been baking prosphora. The bread bakes well and looks as it should. The issue I am having is, within 12 hours the bread is hard as a rock. Was wondering if anyone has any ideas.

What style of Prosphora? Greek? Russian?

 

[linux.poet]

AMBASSADOR HAT​

This thread has been moved from My Two Cents to Cooking and Culinary Arts, where it more properly belongs.

 

[All4Christ]

AMBASSADOR HAT

This thread has been moved to The Ancient Way, the Eastern Orthodox forum.