Sourdough

Sourdough is a natural leavening ingredient consisting of flour and water. Also known as bread starter, levain, masa madre, lievito naturale or Sauerteig, sourdough gives baked products their structure and taste. Micro-organisms within the sourdough use the starch and minerals found in flour to ferment and increase the volume of bread, while organic molecules create the flavours.

Originating in ancient Egypt, sourdough methods and recipes were passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. It remained the principal form of leavening until the Middle Ages, and is still a popular bread option today.

Many of today’s consumers look for traditional products made out of natural, clean-label ingredients. When it comes to baked goods in particular, quality, taste and freshness are key factors in purchasing decisions.

Sourdough offers a natural form of leavening that enhances the taste and nutritional value of baked bread products. In this way, it satisfies the demands of customers looking for tasty, healthy breads made from natural ingredients. Sourdough also enables bakers to vary their breads, as different types of sourdough bring out different product qualities.

At Puratos, we believe that the future of bread lies in its past. Over the years we’ve developed expertise in natural fermentation and knowledge of baking cultures from all over the world. Drawing on this knowledge, we’ve created Sapore – a range of natural bakery sourdoughs that provide consistent quality, convenience and exceptional diverse flavours.

The world of bread is endless, branching out into a wealth of textures, recipes and traditions. But its roots are quite simple. It all starts with natural fermentation. With sourdough and grains. Consumer demand for traditional ingredients shows no sign of slowing down. On the contrary: consumers crave natural, healthy breads more than ever before.