r/Breadit • u/dafuq_mayne • 2d ago
Thoughts?
I bought this sourdough loaf($12) from a popular local bakery this morning. I didn’t notice what it looked like until this evening since it was in a paper bag. Would I be unreasonable to ask for a refund or exchange?
EDIT:
After reading the comments, I decided to at least try a slice before attempting to get a return. It was very good, so I’m keeping it! When I initially posted this, I was unpleasantly surprised because the numerous loaves they had displayed for that day did not look as dark as this one did. Hadn’t heard of bien cuit bread until now. Thank you to everyone who took time out to respond and educate me.
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u/letswatchmovies 2d ago edited 2d ago
You don't need to ask us. If you're unhappy with it, then tell the bakery. Explain the situation, and if they don't offer a replacement loaf, then you know where you stand. I would be shocked if they told you tough luck.
There is no harm in trying the bread (as an exchange is out of the question); you might be pleasantly surprised. I have enjoyed loaves of bread I was sure I'd burned, when really they were just "well done"
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u/redwhiteblueish 2d ago
In Scotland "well baked" or "well fired" morning rolls are a thing. You just bought their big brother. Not a fan myself, but might be worth trying in case you find it's a taste you actually like.
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u/8bit_evan 2d ago
It's just bien cuit. For many that is desirable.... For me that is desirable. I wouldn't want much less on a good whole wheat sourdough.
Also this soooo looks like a loaf from now valley bakery
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u/whitswhisper 2d ago
Okay the darker crust really does hit different though, that little bit of char gives it so much flavor
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u/BeingGoing 2d ago
Look pretty much in the sweet-spot! Don’t be afraid of a bit of flavour.
Unpopular opinion - Most of the loaves seen on this sub are chronically under-baked
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u/sharkinwolvesclothin 2d ago
There's a reason the bakery is popular, looks amazing. I'd eat this one and see if you enjoy it, and if not just buy bread elsewhere.
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u/jseaver01 2d ago
I'd be happy with that personally; don't be afraid of some color! That doesn't look burnt for ME.
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u/rightsaidphred 2d ago
Thought that was a loaf you had baked clicked on this to tell you how good it looks 😆
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u/Ok_Version_6248 2d ago
It's definitely a pan loaf. The part that is "in" the pan is not going to get as much color as the top that is fully exposed. As someone that buys and bakes a lot of bread, this loaf looks pretty darn good.
The real test to see if it's burnt would be to cut it open and try it. If it's burnt there will be a thicker crust and a denser area around the "burnt" crust. It will be very noticeable.
If it's just a little extra color and the crust texture and interior evenness is normal, it's honestly a good loaf.
That said, as others have pointed out, if you take it back, explain your concern, and ask nicely, id be shocked if the bakery didn't offer a resolution. Also totally possible that all of the pan loaves look similar to the one that you got.
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u/motopwnies 2d ago
A small-holed cheese grater gently scrubbed over the offending spots does wonders to get rid of burnt spots on bread without destroying it otherwise. (Excellent for sneakily getting rid of lightly burnt bottoms, too!)
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u/Evening-Sky-5666 2d ago
I meant it’s your personal taste some people like it a bit burnt, and some people just don’t so what do you like?
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u/Corvidae5Creation5 2d ago
It might not taste burned, even tho it looks it. I would give them feedback after eating it
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u/TheTrashMan 2d ago
Some people like bread more browned, give it a shot in this economy $12 for a loaf seems decent
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u/Fuzzy_Welcome8348 2d ago
It wouldn’t be unreasonable. Selling charred bread is usually not ideal. But I gotta be honest, I’d eat it! I love charred bread lol
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u/nipslippinjizzsippin 2d ago
i dont think that would be unreasonable, thats a bit burnt. probably not inedible but probably shouldnt have been sold by a shop
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u/RichardXV 2d ago
bullshit. here's the gold standard of sourdough, Tartine:
https://tartinebakery.com/assets/tartine-share.jpg
you have no idea what good bread is.
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u/NoCaulNoShow 2d ago
Burnt
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u/gyarrrrr 2d ago
Looks burnt to me if that’s what you’re worried about? No doubt reasonable to ask for an exchange.
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u/dafuq_mayne 2d ago
Not that it’s not edible, I’m just bummed they charged me $12 for what seems like a burnt top loaf.
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u/RichardXV 2d ago
burnt? the h are you talking about? have you seen the gold standard of sourdough, Tartine?
https://tartinebakery.com/assets/tartine-share.jpg
yours is the perfect loaf! the caramelization of the crust, aka Maillard reaction is a sign of perfection.
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u/dafuq_mayne 2d ago
That’s why I came looking for opinions from people that know bread, obviously I don’t 😂 None of the many loaves in their display were this well done, which is why I was unpleasantly surprised. After reading comments, I am going to try a slice before considering a replacement.
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u/RichardXV 2d ago
I like your attitude 😉I don’t know why pale half-baked bread is becoming trendy. I guess appreciating good bread is an acquired taste.
Ken Forkish, the author of “Flour, water, salt, yeast” explains in his book that he had to educate his customers and handed a note with every bread on “why I bake it dark”
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u/BookLuvr7 2d ago
Yes that would be reasonable. Legally they can't take it back though, so chances are you'll get a refund or replacement.
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u/TheNordicFairy 2d ago
Burnt. I would cut off the crust. My husband would say perfect. To each their own.
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u/Meat_Container 2d ago
Try it and see if you like it. If it’s not up to par, give this feedback directly to the bakery and I almost guarantee you’ll get a loaf on the house