Crust and wonder

​INTRODUCTION

Few people realize that sourdough is among the oldest forms of bread known to humanity. Though often considered today a sort of hipster food, sourdough actually has a very dramatic story, really rich and dating back thousands of years to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians. This dreamy heritage of baking bread not in factories, but in homes, captures wild yeast from the air and flour to make it, which alone gives sourdough its special character.

What really sets sourdough apart from any other bread is that it relies on wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria present in the environment. This forms a very specific symbiotic relationship that will take simple ingredients and turn them into a complex, flavorful loaf of bread. Every time you bake sourdough, you are continuing a tradition handed down through the generations.

The starter you create is way more than just a mixture of flour and water, but it is actually a living culture that links you directly to the past and also to your natural environment. The flavor profile of your sourdough will be different, and your starter's quirky characteristics may be captured with the varieties of flour you use, or even with your kitchen climate.

Not only does sourdough taste great, but it also has a bunch of health benefits. The fermentation process breaks down gluten, such that many people find it easier to digest than other types of bread. It also contains natural probiotics from fermentation that help in your goal of achieving a healthy gut microbiome and general well-being.

Nutritionally, sourdough bread has a lower glycemic index than regular bread, which makes it superior in maintaining blood sugar levels and keeping you full for a longer time. It is a very healthy choice that melds flavor with health, and with each bite, it's guilt-free.

Baking sourdough is an art and science, really; it takes a lot of patience, intuition, and that one stroke of creativity. There's something deeply satisfying about rearing your sourdough starter, watching it bubble and grow, knowing you're taking the power of nature right in your kitchen. It's one such process that allows experimentation in return for rewards. You learn about hydration levels, fermentation times, and kneading techniques as you develop your style and preference. With each bread you will make, it would be an opportunity to express the deepest self, play with flavors and textures, and share all this with family and friends.

Starting with the very basics of creating a starter to understanding the nuances in baking, this book will take you through all there is on your sourdough journey. From rich knowledge to equipping you with all you need to bake those delicious homemade sourdoughs, turn the page and just enjoy