Every September, world-wide, we dedicate an entire month to celebrating REAL™ Sourdough Bread. It is a time for bread bakers across the world to share their talent of making sourdough bread, and for everyone to enjoy this delicious and nutritious food. And Abigail's Oven is doing its part by offering one of our free classes to teach you have to make this delicious and authentic loaf.
But #Sourdough September is more than just baking – it's about supporting local communities, embracing real ingredients, and exploring the fascinating world of sourdough fermentation. So let's dig in.
What is sourdough bread?
Sourdough bread is made with a fermented starter culture made from flour and water. The fermentation process gives sourdough bread its unique flavor and texture, and it also makes the bread more digestible and nutritious.
Can you make a sourdough starter from scratch?
Yes, you can make a sourdough starter from scratch. It is a simple process, but it does take some time. You can find many recipes for sourdough starters online, Martha's instructions can be found on her recipe blog at YourSourdoughStart.com.
Do you know your sourdough history?
- Sourdough bread is believed to have originated in Ancient Egypt around 1500 BC.
- The French bakers are credited with bringing sourdough bread to San Francisco during the California Gold Rush in 1848.
- Some San Francisco bakers still use the same sourdough culture that was used during the Gold Rush.
- Louise Boudin risked her life to save the original "Mother dough" during the Great San Francisco Earthquake of 1906.
- Sourdough bread is best baked in preheated cast iron pots with lids, which do not lose heat when the oven is open and seal in steam for a better oven spring when the lid is left on for the first half of baking.
Is sourdough bread healthier than other breads?
Yes, sourdough bread is generally considered to be healthier than other breads. It is less processed, easier to digest, and more nutritious. Sourdough bread also has a lower glycemic index, which means that it does not cause blood sugar levels to rise as quickly after eating.
Sourdough is not just for bread!
There are many other uses for sourdough besides baking bread. Sourdough can be used to make:
Celebrating Sourdough
There are many ways to celebrate Sourdough September. Here are a few ideas:
- Share your sourdough recipe with family and friends.
- Bake real sourdough bread and deliver it to friends.
- Buy 100% genuine sourdough bread from a local bakery.
- Host a sourdough baking party, complete with condiments to go with your fresh sourdough bread.
- Create several sourdough starters, add baking instructions, and give them away to neighbors.
- Attend a sourdough baking class.
- Enter a local bread baking contest with your sourdough recipe.
- Raise money for the charity Sustain.
- Tag and share your sourdough celebration on social media using #SourdoughSeptember.
Conclusion
Sourdough bread is a delicious, nutritious, and versatile food making #SourdoughSeptember a great time to celebrate this wonderful food and to learn more about how to make it or purchase it. But the the Real Bread Campaign out of the UK believes that everyone should have the chance to enjoy REAL™ Sourdough Bread.