Tag: Natural leavening

Fermentation is one of the oldest known food preservation methods, with evidence of fermented beverages dating back thousands of years. Yet, despite this ancient practice, many wonder: is sourdough unprocessed, or does its creation involve a form of food processing?

Sourdough is an ancient leavened bread, with origins dating back to ancient Egypt around 1500 B.C., that relies on a natural starter instead of commercial yeast. This simple yet powerful method of fermentation is the key to understanding **what is sourdough bread made out of** and how it offers unique nutritional advantages over conventional loaves.

According to the NOVA food classification system, many mass-produced breads fall into the 'ultra-processed' category, but the same isn't true for authentic, traditionally made sourdough. The answer to whether sourdough bread is considered a highly processed food depends on how it's made and where it comes from.

According to research, some commercial baking powders contain aluminum-based ingredients that can be a concern for health-conscious bakers. This has many people asking, "Is there a healthy alternative to baking powder?" The answer is yes, with several effective and natural substitutes available right in your pantry.