Why Should Sourdough Bread Making Be Part of Your Emergency Preparedness Toolkit?

1. Shelf stability: Sourdough bread is notoriously shelf-stable, meaning it can last for weeks or even months at room temperature without spoiling. This is thanks to the lactic acid produced by the wild yeast and bacteria in the sourdough starter, which acts as a natural preservative. In comparison, commercially produced bread typically starts to mold within a few days.
2. Nutrient-rich: Whole grain sourdough bread is packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, B vitamins, and iron. The long fermentation process in sourdough bread making also breaks down gluten, making it easier for some people to digest. This is especially important in emergency situations where access to a variety of nutritious foods may be limited and while your digestive tract is adjusting to whole wheat from your storage.
3. Self-reliance: Sourdough bread can be made with just a few simple ingredients: flour, water, and salt. You don't need any commercial yeast, which can be difficult to find during emergencies. This means that you can be self-sufficient and bake your own bread even if supply chains are disrupted.
4. Morale booster: Freshly baked bread can be a real comfort food, especially during stressful times. Baking your own bread can provide a sense of accomplishment and normalcy, which can be important for boosting morale during an emergency.
5. Community building: Sharing your sourdough bread with others can be a great way to build community and help your neighbors. If you have extra bread, you can offer it to friends, family, or people in need. And if necessary bread may become a useful commodity for trading for other goods or services you might need in an emergency.

Overall, sourdough bread making skills are a versatile and valuable addition to any emergency preparedness plan. The ability to bake your own bread can provide you with a nutritious and shelf-stable food source, boost your morale, and even help build community in times of crisis.

Here are some additional tips for incorporating sourdough bread making into your emergency preparedness plan:

• Start a sourdough starter now: It takes about a week to cultivate a sourdough starter, so it's best to do it before an emergency strikes. Once you have a starter, you can keep it alive indefinitely by feeding it regularly, dehydrating it, or tucking it away in your fridge.
• Stock up on essential ingredients: Keep a good supply of flour, water, and salt on hand. You can also store other ingredients like honey or seeds to add flavor and nutrients to your bread.
• Practice your skills: The more you practice baking sourdough bread, the more confident you will be in your ability to do it in an emergency.
• Share your knowledge: Teach your friends and family how to make sourdough bread. This way, more people in your community will have access to this valuable skill.

And that is where Spanish Fork Emergency Management and Abigail’s Oven come to play.  Most months the bakery offers demonstrations at the bakery here in town, but during January they are offering more hands on workshops here in town. Join us Wednesday, Jan 10 at 5:30 PM. You can attend physically at the bakery, which is at 421 South 200 East in Spanish Fork, UT, or online via zoom. Either way it is free, but you need to register here because the seating is limited: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/sourdough-classes-1324809

By taking the time to learn how to make sourdough bread now, you can be better prepared for whatever challenges the future may hold.