Why Not All Sourdough Is Created Equal

Sourdough has become a bit of a buzzword—but not all loaves with the label “sourdough” are made the same way, and that matters more than you might think. 

At its heart, real sourdough is incredibly simple: flour, water, salt, and time. It’s leavened with a natural sourdough starter (a mix of flour and water teeming with wild yeasts and beneficial bacteria), and the dough is slowly fermented over 2–3 days. That long fermentation is the key to sourdough’s unique flavor, texture, and most importantly—its health benefits.

So, why does the process matter? 

During slow fermentation, several amazing things happen:

 • Gluten is broken down, making the bread easier to digest for many people.

 • Phytic acid is reduced, which improves your body’s ability to absorb nutrients like iron, magnesium, and zinc.

 • Beneficial bacteria thrive, creating a more gut-friendly loaf.

 • The flavor develops naturally, resulting in a rich, slightly tangy taste that can’t be rushed.

But here’s the catch: 

That kind of fermentation takes time, space, and intention—something many large-scale commercial bakeries don’t always have. To meet demand and scale production, some bakeries use shortcuts like added commercial yeast, vinegar, or dough conditioners. These loaves may be labeled as “sourdough,” but they haven’t gone through the full fermentation process that makes real sourdough so special.

This isn’t about blaming or shaming. 

Some commercial bakeries may find ways to work around the challenges, but the truth is, traditional sourdough requires time—and that’s something we’ve committed to here in our micro-bakery.

Each loaf we bake is handcrafted over several days, using only the most basic ingredients and traditional methods. It’s not fast or flashy, but it’s worth it. You can taste the difference—and your body can feel it, too.

Because when it comes to bread, quality can’t be rushed. 

Visit www.nourishandrise.com to order, or to register for an upcoming event to learn how to make your own Sourdough!