Frequently Asked Questions About Sourdough Bread

Getting your sourdough bread right can be tricky; that’s why Great Harvest of Newtonville in Newtonville, MA, put together these tips to help you out for the next time you want to bake the perfect bread. 

What is Sourdough Bread?

With people spending more time indoors, sourdough bread has had a boom in popularity in recent years. The main characteristic of this bread is that it uses a starter made out of fermented flour and water to rise instead of commercial yeast. Sourdough usually has a tangy taste, has a chewy texture, and is usually much tastier than commercially available loaves of bread. Because of how it's made, sourdough bread doesn’t contain additives, making it a more natural bread option.

If you’re looking for freshly made bread in Newtonville, MA, visit Great Harvest Bread Co. for delicious bread and lunches made daily. Take a look at their complete menu online or call them at 617-928-1162 to place an order today!

Benefits of Sourdough Bread

As mentioned above, sourdough bread is considered a more natural alternative to commercial bread as it doesn’t contain additives or preservatives. Additionally, there are other reasons why this kind of bread is regarded as a healthier option. One of them is that it has higher levels of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, making it much more nutritious than regular bread. Sourdough bread is also great for people with digestive issues as it can act as a prebiotic. This means that its fiber can be beneficial for your gut bacteria. And finally, the properties of this kind of bread can also aid blood sugar control. If you’re interested in these benefits of sourdough bread, make it with whole grains for better results.

What Ingredients Do I Need to Make Sourdough Bread?

Sourdough is made from all-purpose flour (or bread flour), water, salt, and a sourdough starter.

What is a Sourdough Starter?

A sourdough starter is made out of flour and water. This mixture is left to ferment and create a wild yeast and bacteria colony to make your sourdough bread rise. As this is a live colony, you’ll need to feed it constantly to keep it alive. Your starter should be kept in a glass jar and fed daily to keep it happy. If you’re not using it daily, it’s possible to keep it in the fridge for up to two months without disturbing it. After two months, you’ll need to refresh or feed it, to keep it happy and healthy.

When Will My Starter Be Ready to Use?

Two things need to happen before your starter is ready to use. The first one is that it should bubble up, and the second one is that it should double in size. These two events will depend on the conditions you keep your starter in, and you’ll have quicker results if you keep it in a warm place. This process can take from 2 to 12 hours or even longer. Make sure to mark your jar to keep tabs on how much it grows.

What Equipment Do I Need?

To make sourdough, you’ll need a mixing bowl, a pastry scraper, bread-proofing baskets, a dutch oven, or a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid, a sharp knife, and a cloth towel or plastic wrap to cover your bowls.

For delicious and freshly made bread, visit Great Harvest Bread Co., where bread is baked daily with only the best ingredients. If you’d like to see their lunch menu visit their site, or to place an order, give them a call at 617-928-1162 today!

Tips for Storing Your Sourdough Bread

The best way to store a freshly baked sourdough loaf is by keeping it wrapped in a tea towel or storing it in a closed paper bag. This allows air to circulate without drying it out too fast. If you have already sliced into it, it’s best to leave the cut side down on a breadboard. This will help to avoid it drying out as well. Another option is to freeze the bread you won’t eat in a five-day window after baking. It’s possible to keep a loaf of bread in the freezer for up to six months without it going bad. The only downside is that it will lose some of its flavors as time goes on. Before freezing, though, it’s essential that you make sure the loaf is completely cool to avoid any bacteria forming and keep it fresh for longer. To freeze your bread, place it in a large Ziploc bag, take out as much air as possible and place it in the freezer.

If you’re in the mood for delicious bread, don’t hesitate to visit Great Harvest Bread Co. for delicious bread baked daily. Also, don’t forget to check out their lunch menu online. If you’re ready to place an order, call them at 617-928-1162.