Sourdough Diaries: Sourdough basics

Well, well, well...Look who decided to join the sourdough gang...It's me. I joined the sourdough gang. And I am here to breakdown all the things I've learned so far so you can learn about it too.

Now, I know what you're not thinking at all, "How did Gab become this sourdough fanatic?!". Well, no need to worry because I'm going to take a quick second to tell you how I got here. Long story short, I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease which means gluten and I aren't friends. In switching to gluten free products I also discovered sourdough bread which is said to be easier to digest.

I found a gluten free sourdough bread ( See picture on the right) from a local bakery at a store near my office and, well, it was love at first slice. The down side of it all? Each loaf was $20 plus tax. One loaf would last me approximately 2 weeks. I don't know about you but spending $40 plus tax on bread per month tightens up the budget really quick.

So, it was either I stop eating bread or I start making my own...I think you would agree that giving up bread was not an option. I mean look at this video of me dancing with my loaf. Are you really going to tell me to give that type of love up? No. So that's what kicked off my sourdough journey.

Alright, now that we got that out of the way, let's get into what you want to know...

What is sourdough bread?

Sourdough is a type of bread that is made through a fermentation process using naturally occurring yeast and bacteria. Unlike conventional bread, which is typically made using commercial yeast, sourdough relies on a sourdough starter, also known as levain, to leaven the bread.

Why do people eat sourdough bread instead of "regular" bread?

People choose to eat sourdough bread instead of "regular" bread for several reasons:

1. Digestibility: The fermentation process in sourdough breaks down gluten and phytic acid, making the bread easier to digest for some individuals who may have gluten sensitivity or difficulty digesting grains.

2. Flavour: Sourdough bread has a unique tangy flavour profile that many people enjoy. The fermentation process contributes to the development of complex flavours, giving sourdough bread a more nuanced taste compared to bread made with commercial yeast.

3. Nutritional benefits: The fermentation process in sourdough enhances the bioavailability of nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, making them easier for the body to absorb. Additionally, sourdough bread tends to have a lower glycemic index compared to bread made with commercial yeast, which may help regulate blood sugar levels.

4. Longer shelf life: The acidity of sourdough bread helps to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria, resulting in a longer shelf life compared to "regular" bread. This can reduce food waste and the need for preservatives.

5. Tradition and craft: Sourdough bread has a long history and is often associated with traditional bread-making techniques. Many people appreciate the artisanal nature of sourdough and the craftsmanship that goes into creating it.

What is sourdough starter?

A sourdough starter, also known as levain or mother dough, is a mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast and lactobacilli bacteria from the environment. It serves as the leavening agent for sourdough bread, providing the fermentation necessary to make the dough rise.

Creating a sourdough starter typically involves mixing equal parts of flour and water and allowing the mixture to ferment at room temperature for several days. During this time, naturally occurring yeast and bacteria present in the flour and the surrounding environment colonize the mixture, creating a symbiotic culture.

What supplies do you need to make sourdough bread?

There are 6 basic things you need when making sourdough bread :

1. A jar for your starter.

2. A think kitchen towel or cheese cloth.

3. A glass bowl like this one.

4. A sharp knife to score your loaf.

5. A dutch oven. I bought this cute one on Amazon.

6. Parchment paper
   

I've made 4 loaves so far and those are all the tools I have used. Oh, and measuring cups or a kitchen scale. This is the scale I use. There are many other sourdough tools out there if you want to get all fancy. You can find full sourdough bread kits on Amazon like this one, but you can go without all this stuff at the beginning.

Here are pictures of my first few loaves :

I've been using this What The Fork recipe and while I am learning since it's so simple, but I've hear a lot of gook reviews about Bakerita's recipe which I will be trying soon.

That's it for now, but I do have a couple more sourdough blog posts coming in the future. I plan on making one all about sourdough starter and another post that will breakdown all the unique sourdough terms I have learned.

Oh and I may or may not have sourdough merch coming soon.... Stay tuned!

-xox Gab