Josh Gomes is one of only a select number of people in the country who have been named a Certified Master Baker by the Retail Bakers of America (RBA). Gomes is also the Research and Development Manager for Dunkin’, working on recipes in the Dunkin’ Culinary Lab which eventually make their way to Dunkin’ restaurants.
One of those recipes is Dunkin’s Sourdough Bread, which came from his very own sourdough starter recipe. Gomes recently shared his story of how this recipe was developed.
What is the story behind Dunkin’s Sourdough starter?
I created my sourdough starter in November of 2012, and it’s still going strong! Sourdough starters are a mixture of flour and water that naturally collect yeast and bacteria, which raises and flavors the bread. To keep it ‘alive’ you need to feed it flour, water and left-over starter. Traditionally, you are supposed to name your sourdough starter – I named mine “Baby Bird” because it truly needed to be fed like a baby bird. I kept this starter in the Dunkin’ Culinary Lab, and when I would travel for work, I asked other members of the team to keep Baby Bird alive for me.
What makes Dunkin’s Sourdough bread so special?
Dunkin’s Sourdough Bread is one of the only mass-produced sourdoughs that uses a “true” sourdough starter. Many other companies that make sourdough bread on a large-scale use either a powdered substance as a base or use sourdough flavoring to flavor their bread. We used the sourdough starter I created as inspiration for the sourdough starter in Dunkin’s Sourdough Bread. Our Sourdough has a mid-range sour taste for the perfect tang that pairs well with the other ingredients we use, including those within our new Avocado Toast and Grilled Cheese Melts.
What are some tips for someone who wants to create their own sourdough starter?
Be patient! Sourdough is not just for bread anymore. It can be added to so many things, so have fun with it. DON’T forget to name it!
FAQs
Sourdough is made from lactic acid fermentation in a mixture of flour and water. It is commonly used for sourdough bread which has a unique flavor and crumb texture. The acidity of the dough is reduced due to the lactic acid and acetic acid produced during the fermentation.
What is the story behind sourdough bread? ›
There are many theories as to how they first discovered it, but we can assume that it was by accident. It's thought that the Egyptian people left some out and some of the wild yeast spores in the air mixed with the dough, which caused it to rise and create sourdough bread as we know it.
Is Dunkin sourdough bread real sourdough? ›
Dunkin's sourdough is the real deal and uses 'Baby Bird' starter. The notorious hassle of maintaining a sourdough starter (per King Arthur Flour) means that it hasn't traditionally been a popular method for industrial baking.
What is sourdough bread explanation? ›
Sourdough is naturally leavened bread, which means it doesn't use commercial yeast to rise. Instead, it uses a 'starter' – a fermented flour and water mixture that contains wild yeast and good bacteria – to rise. This also produces the tangy flavour and slightly chewy texture you'll find in sourdough.
What does the Bible say about sourdough bread? ›
Luke 13:21 In-Context
21 It is like to sourdough, that a woman took, and hid it in three measures of meal, till all were soured. [+It is like to sourdough, which taken, a woman hid in three measures of meal, till it were all soured.] 22 And he went by cities and castles, teaching and making journey into Jerusalem.
What is the appeal of sourdough bread? ›
There also seems to be some evidence that sourdough is easier to digest than typical white bread, and the yeasts and bacteria that help the bread rise are also beneficial for the gut, feeding into the current fixation with gut health.
Is sourdough bread good for you? ›
According to some studies, sourdough bread acts as a prebiotic, which means that the fiber in the bread helps feed the “good” bacteria in your intestines. These bacteria are important for maintaining a stable, healthy digestive system. Sourdough is also lower in gluten than other forms of bread.
How do you know if sourdough bread is really sourdough? ›
Always read the label.
Genuine sourdough bread is NOT made using additives, baker's yeast (usually listed simply as yeast) or chemical raising agents (eg baking powder). If there isn't a label (or you just fancy a chat) then... Ask the baker / salesperson for a copy of the ingredients list.
Does sourdough bread spike glucose? ›
Is sourdough bread good for diabetics? Sourdough bread is made through a slow fermentation process, which may cause this type of bread to raise blood sugar more slowly than other breads. As a result, sourdough bread could be a great choice for those with diabetes.
What is the healthiest bread to eat? ›
Next time you're at the store, look for the following options to find a healthy bread you like.
- Wholegrain bread. Wholegrain bread is minimally processed and made with flour from fully intact grains. ...
- Multigrain bread. ...
- Dark rye bread. ...
- Authentic sourdough bread. ...
- Flaxseed, or linseed, bread. ...
- Ezekiel, or sprouted grain, bread.
Sourdough relies on a mix of wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria, rather than baker's yeast, to leaven the dough. It's richer in nutrients, less likely to spike your blood sugar, contains lower amounts of gluten, and is generally easier to digest than bread made with baker's yeast.
Which is healthier, sourdough or sprouted bread? ›
What's more, due to its lower carb and higher fiber content, sprouted grain bread had the lowest glycemic index, compared to 11-grain, 12-grain, sourdough, or white bread. Glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a food raises your blood sugar ( 6 ).
What is so special about sourdough bread? ›
Sourdough relies on a mix of wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria, rather than baker's yeast, to leaven the dough. It's richer in nutrients, less likely to spike your blood sugar, contains lower amounts of gluten, and is generally easier to digest than bread made with baker's yeast.
What is the science behind sourdough bread? ›
During the fermentation process, yeast and bacteria convert the simple sugars in the flour into other organic substances like carbon dioxide (that rises your bread), ethanol and acids (lactic acid and acetic acid). It's the acids that give sourdough it's unique sour flavor.
What are the characteristics of a good sourdough bread? ›
Moreover, the crust of real sourdough bread is usually thin and airy and makes a distinctive crackling sound when the bread is broken in half. The inside of the bread should be bubbly and chewy and the bread should have a slightly tangy taste.
Is sourdough bread good for you or bad for you? ›
The type of flour used — all-purpose, whole wheat, rye — can affect the nutritional content of sourdough bread, says Wee. But generally speaking, sourdough bread is a healthy option and can be eaten regularly as part of a nutritious, balanced diet.
