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
Beginner Guides
What is Sourdough?
How to Create a Sourdough Starter
All About Sourdough Starter
How to Make Levain from your Sourdough Starter
Sourdough Discard: Everything You Need to Know
How Temperature Affects Sourdough
Sourdough Kitchen Tools
Long-Term Sourdough Storage: Dehydrating Sourdough Starter
Sourdough Frequently Asked Questions
Beginner Sourdough Recipes
No-Knead Beginner Sourdough
Soft Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Sourdough Discard Crackers
Crispy Sourdough Waffles
More Advanced Sourdough Recipes
Sourdough Artisan Bread
Sourdough Rye Bread
Sourdough Cinnamon Sugar Babka
Share this:
Amy
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!
Leave a Reply