Why making a hole in the flour to add yeast / salt / sugar when making bread?

[TabulaRasa]

Originally Posted by charlygal

Yes, I'm old school too. I still proof my yeast before using it to make sure it's active. However, with the newer instant, fast active brands of yeast, that step is not needed anymore. The yeast can be added to the flour and other ingredients straight away. But...I still proof anyway.

Yeah, I never use the fast active.

[Ste68]

Make holes is not necessary at all, this is an old tradition, what is necessary is to put the ingredients separate and especially to put the salt after that the yeast has mixed well with flour and water...by the way of the sugar, you can not use it, I make bread and I don't put sugar...