Sun, 03 May 2026 20:53:08 +0000

The Secret Ingredient No Baker Ever Told You About the Best Bagel When it comes to Old World bagels, most bakers swear by tradition—sourdough, precise hydration, and long fermentation. But there’s one little-known secret that elevates a good bagel into an unforgettable one: the right hydration level combined with a steam-injected oven and a final soak in malt syrup. If you’ve ever bitten into a bagel that’s perfectly chewy, glistening, and rich with flavor, you’ve experienced the magic of this hidden ingredient—something professional bakers guard closely because it’s transformative. ---