Congratulations on taking the first step in making your own sourdough bread!
This is an exciting and rewarding hobby that anyone can learn.
Sourdough bread is created using a sourdough starter that contains wild yeasts and bacteria from the surrounding environment. To keep the starter alive and well, it needs to be fed fresh flour and water regularly. A small amount of the starter can be added to bread dough to make it rise, and it also imparts the unique flavor and texture that sets sourdough bread apart.
Compared to other types of bread, sourdough bread offers numerous benefits. It is more nutritious, containing additional B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. Its fermentation process makes it easier to digest, and its unique, tangy flavor distinguishes it from other bread types.
To begin baking sourdough bread, you'll first need to obtain a sourdough starter. You can purchase one, ask a sourdough baker for some, or make your own sourdough starter, which typically takes two weeks to establish. Once you have a sourdough starter, you can start your feeding and maintenance routine. This is important to do to keep your starter healthy and active. After ensuring your sourdough starter is thriving and lively, you can begin baking bread.
Your initial loaves may not be perfect, but with practice, you'll be able to produce delicious sourdough bread.
Happy Baking!
Have fun and enjoy the process!