Super Sourdough – The best bread ever

Bread is absolutely delicious. No wonder it’s mentioned in the Bible so many times. It’s got the perfect combination of saltiness, umami from the yeast, a little sweetness, and the perfect airy texture that feels like a cloud. There are also hundreds of different kinds of breads to choose from depending on your preferences. From soft, chewy breads, to crusty and nutty breads, anyone can find something that they love, even if you’re gluten free! However, the greatness of bread begs an even bigger question: what is the best bread ever? Well, my friend, that would be sourdough bread.

What are the health benefits of Sourdough bread?

Sourdough bread has numerous health benefits that make it a better choice than just regular bread. Some of its amazing health benefits include:

• Better Digestibility
  • Sourdough bread is easier for your body to digest than normal bread because the natural fermentation processes break down gluten and phytic acid. Sourdough contains less gluten than normal bread, but it is not gluten-free.
• Lower Glycemic Index
  • Sourdough bread has a lower Glycemic Index (GI) because of the natural fermentation processes. This means that it causes a smaller spike in blood sugar and instead gradually releases the energy into your body. This can help relieve symptoms of diabetes and make you feel energized for longer. Click here to learn more about the Glycemic Index.
• Contains Probiotics
  • Sourdough bread contains probiotics created by the natural fermentation processes. Beneficial bacteria (lactic acid bacteria) grow during those processes, which act as probiotics. This means that eating sourdough bread can support a healthy immune system and gut. Click here to learn more about Probiotics.
• Easier to Absorb Nutrients
  • Phytates are broken down during the natural fermentation processes. These bind to minerals such as zinc, iron, and magnesium, which are required by your body to function properly. Because phytates are broken down in sourdough bread, the nutrients are easier for your body to absorb than in regular bread. Click here to learn more about Phytates.
• Less Preservatives
  • During the natural fermentation processes, organic acids are produced, which help to preserve the bread naturally. This eliminates the need for all those pesky preservatives that regular store bough contains.

There are loads of health benefits to sourdough bread because of how it’s made. The natural fermentation can do so many wonders for your body. To reap the most benefits, make sure to choose whole wheat sourdough breads that are lower in sodium and added sugars.

My Favorite Sourdough Recipies

I absolutely love sourdough bread, so it makes sense why I include so much of it in my recipe book. I’ve had a sourdough starter for about six months now, and I’ve used it so much, it’s probably not even the exact same starter I bought! After baking sourdough so much, I’ve formed a small collection of my favorite sourdough recipes. These recipes worked amazing when I tried them, which is great since baking with sourdough can be kind of finnicky, and they also tasted amazing!

• Whole Wheat Sourdough Sandwich Bread
  • This is my all time favorite sourdough recipe. It’s almost foolproof! It rises even better than normal yeast breads, taste amazing, and is almost 90% whole wheat flour! Click Here for the Recipe.

• Wild Rice Sourdough Bread
  • I absolutely love wild rice, as I come from Wisconsin, where it’s grown locally. This recipe is absolutely delicious, retaining the nutty flavor and chewy texture of the wild rice. Click Here for the Recipe.

• Cranberry Pecan Sourdough Bread
  • This bread reminds me so much of the holidays with its sweet flavors. Its got the crunchiness of the pecans and the sweetness of the dried cranberries that make this bread a winner for holiday gatherings, French toast, or even a side at Breakfast. Click Here for the Recipe.

• Sourdough Cinnamon Raisin Swirl Bread
  • This recipe is a healthier take on a classic. It’s got the perfect amount of sweetness from the raisins and the delicious warmth of the cinnamon. It’s even got the cool swirl inside! Click Here for the Recipe.

Most of these recipes use white flour, but you can achieve the same great texture and flavor by replacing half of it with whole wheat flour, while also making it much healthier!

What other uses are there for Sourdough Starters?

Once you start baking sourdough bread, you’ll have a new friend, the sourdough starter. You’ll probably get bored of baking bread all the time, but thankfully there are plenty of solutions. Once you learn how to keep your starter alive (which is not hard at all), there are almost endless possible sourdough recipes to try! Some great ideas include:

• Savory:
  • Naan Bread
  • Bagels
  • English Muffins
  • Pretzels
  • Crackers
  • Pizza Crust
  • Pasta
  • Biscuits
  • Stuffing
  • Croutons
  • Tempura Batter

• Sweet:
  • Pancakes
  • Waffles
  • Muffins
  • Sweet Breads
  • Cinnamon Rolls
  • Donuts

The big question has been answered; the best bread is sourdough. It’s got numerous health benefits, delicious flavor, and hundreds of uses. So, remember to feed your sourdough starter, and get baking!