Beginner Guide: What Is Sourdough?

Sourdough is a method of leavening bread. As opposed to most store-brought bread, sourdough doesn’t use any commercial yeast to rise. Instead it uses a “starter” of fermented flour and water to raise bread. You can use sourdough to make just about any baked good (breads, pancakes, crepes, biscuits, crackers, rolls, cookies, etc…). If you maintain a sourdough starter, you will never run out. The process of sourdough is an ancient tradition used in cultures all over the world. Commercial yeast (dry active/instant) was not invented until the mid 1800s and didn’t become popular until the 1900s. Before this, everyone used sourdough starter for baking leavened bread. Baking with sourdough is a simple process, but it does take some extra time.

Health Benefits of Sourdough

  • The fermentation process “pre-digests” the gluten in sourdough bread, making it easy for our bodies to digest
  • Keeps you full for longer
  • Full of probiotics 
  • Eating sourdough bread lowers the glycemic index – not only for the meal you are eating but (scientists believe) even for the next several meals. 
  • Sourdough neutralizes phytic acid (which reduces absorption of nutrients) found in grains – allowing your body to get more of those nutrients.

What Sourdough Recipes Should I Start With?

I have so many good sourdough recipes on my site! There are lots of recipes for sourdough breads and recipes that use up sourdough discard. I recommend starting with an artisan bread recipe or even my favorite sourdough sandwich bread.

For More Sourdough Content, Click through my Sourdough Beginner Guide

Hi! I’m Amy. Sourdough lover and Kentucky based mama, sharing my best recipes and tips, one bake at a time. So glad you’re here!

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One response to “Beginner Guide: What Is Sourdough?”

  1. […] love sourdough. It’s the way bread was traditionally made. The health benefits of the fermentation process and the ingredients of flour, water, salt and levain make me love it […]

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Amy Bakes Bread

I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a very small amount from qualifying purchases.

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