Final answer:
The claim that hand kneading is the only way to knead yeast dough is false, as there are mechanical methods such as stand mixers and bread machines. Artisanal breads historically used wild yeasts from the air, leading to a lengthy and unpredictable process with many failed batches before modern yeast strains were developed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the only way to knead yeast dough is with your hands is false. While hand kneading is a traditional method, there are several other ways to knead dough, including the use of a stand mixer with a dough hook attachment or a bread machine. In the context of artisanal breads, before the advent of modern yeast strains, yeasts had to be captured from the air, which was a difficult and uncertain process. This method could often result in variable bread quality and many discarded batches due to the unpredictability and variability of wild yeast strains. The development of controlled yeast strains has greatly simplified and standardized bread production.