AUTOLYSE Meaning and
Definition
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Autolyse refers to a process in baking and breadmaking where the dough is left to rest after the initial mixing and before the addition of yeast or other leavening agents. The word "autolyse" is derived from the Greek words "auto," meaning self, and "lysis," meaning destruction. This technique allows the dough to go through a period of self-destruction or autolysis, which enhances its flavor, texture, and overall quality.
During the autolyse stage, the flour and water in the dough begin to interact and form gluten, which gives bread its structure and elasticity. This process helps develop a strong and well-integrated gluten network while also initiating enzymatic activity. The natural enzymes present in the flour start breaking down starches into sugars, proteins into peptides, and complex molecules into simpler components. This results in improved dough extensibility, better fermentation, and enhanced flavor development.
Autolysing the dough also has practical benefits. By allowing the flour to fully hydrate before kneading, it reduces the overall mixing and kneading time required to develop gluten. This saves energy and reduces the risk of overmixing, resulting in a lighter, fluffier, and more tender end product.
Overall, autolyse represents a crucial step in breadmaking techniques that improves the quality of the final bread, from its taste and texture to its rise and appearance. It is a method cherished by bakers for its ability to enhance both the flavor and the performance of the dough.
Etymology of AUTOLYSE
The word "autolyse" has its roots in Greek. It is derived from two Greek words: "autos" meaning "self" and "lusis" meaning "dissolution" or "release". Together, they form the word "autolysis" (αὐτόλυσις) in Greek, which refers to the process of self-digestion or self-decomposition. This term was later borrowed into the field of baking to describe a technique that involves allowing dough to rest and break down its own proteins, resulting in improved texture and flavor. The term "autolyse" is primarily used in the context of bread-making.
Conjugate verb Autolyse
CONDITIONAL
I
would autolyse
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would autolyse
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would autolyse
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would autolyse
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
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would be autolysing
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would be autolysing
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would be autolysing
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would be autolysing
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would be autolysing
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
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would have autolyse
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would have autolyse
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would have autolyse
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would have autolyse
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CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been autolysing
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would have been autolysing
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would have been autolysing
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would have been autolysing
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would have been autolysing
FUTURE
I
will autolyse
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will autolyse
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will autolyse
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FUTURE CONTINUOUS
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will be autolysing
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FUTURE PERFECT
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will have autolysed
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will have autolysed
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FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
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IMPERATIVE
you
autolyse
we
let´s autolyse
to autolyse
PAST
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autolysed
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autolysed
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autolysed
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autolysed
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autolysed
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was autolysing
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was autolysing
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were autolysing
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PAST PARTICIPLE
autolysed
PAST PERFECT
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had autolysed
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had autolysed
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had autolysed
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had autolysed
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PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
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had been autolysing
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had been autolysing
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had been autolysing
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PRESENT
I
autolyse
you
autolyse
he/she/it
autolyses
we
autolyse
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autolyse
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am autolysing
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are autolysing
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is autolysing
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are autolysing
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PRESENT PARTICIPLE
autolysing
PRESENT PERFECT
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have autolysed
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have autolysed
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PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
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have been autolysing
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has been autolysing
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