78% Hydration Durum Semolina

Is 78% hydration right for Durum Semolina?

Durum Semolina's workable hydration range is 65–72%. Its absorption multiplier is 1.02× bread flour. 78% is above Durum Semolina's typical range. The dough will be slack and may not hold shape in a free-form hearth loaf. Either reduce hydration to 72%, or blend Durum Semolina (40–60%) with bread flour for structural support.

Absorption math for Durum Semolina at 78%

A recipe written for bread flour at 78% hydration, when substituted with 100% Durum Semolina, becomes 80% effective hydration (because Durum Semolina absorbs 2% more water). Long autolyse (60+ min) — durum is slow to hydrate fully. Firm dough: 68-72% hydration max. Use coil folds rather than stretch-and-folds. Shape with wet hands. Excellent for pan di Altamura-style boule shaping.

Technique at 78% hydration

Upper range of 'standard' hearth hydration. Benefits from high-extraction flour which tolerates the hydration. Use coil folds instead of stretch-and-folds to build structure without deflating. Cold retard mandatory.

Worked water math for a 500 g batch

Add your levain on top of these weights; the calculator below subtracts the flour and water it already contributes so the bench numbers land at 78% exactly.

What Durum Semolina gives you at 78%

At 78% hydration you can expect a very open, glossy, holey crumb — the signature of a high-hydration hearth loaf. A slack, sticky dough: work with wet hands, use coil folds rather than aggressive stretches, give a full bench rest after pre-shaping, and shape decisively — hesitation lets it spread.

Durum Semolina at 78% — FAQ

Calculator pre-set to 78%

Weights below assume 100% Durum Semolina. For blends, use the main calculator on a recipe page.

Durum Semolina at every hydration level

Durum Semolina usually works between 65% and 72% hydration — drier gives a stiffer dough, wetter a slacker one. Tap a level for the technique, the absorption math and a calculator set to it.