Shaping sourdough bread is a crucial step that gives the dough structure and strength. It helps create surface tension, which allows the loaf to rise properly in the oven and develop a beautiful, even crumb inside. Proper shaping also helps hold in the gases created during fermentation, resulting in a light, airy texture and a well-defined crust. Without shaping, the dough can spread out flat and lose its ability to rise tall and bake evenly. It’s the key to turning soft, fermented dough into a

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