24/07/2018
Benefits of sourdough bread: Phytic acid in wheat bran can be a cause for digestive discomfort and bloating for those with sensitive stomachs.The wild yeast and lactobacillus in the sourdough neutralise the phytic acid as the bread proof's through the acidification of the dough. This prevents the effects of the phytic acid and makes the bread easier for us to digest. These phytic acid molecules bind with other minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc, which make these important nutrients unavailable to us. Long slow fermentation of wheat can reduce phytates by up to 90%. There is an interesting study that compares the effects of different leavens (yeast, sourdough, and a mixture of both) on phytic acid degradation which assessed the repercussions of phytic acid breakdown on phosphorus and magnesium solubility during bread-making, that showed Sourdough fermentation was much more efficient than yeast fermentation in reducing the phytate content in whole wheat bread (-62 and -38%, respectively). The lactic acid bacteria present in sourdough enhanced acidification, which lead to increased magnesium and phosphorus solubility. We soak our flour overnight before baking and all our french breads (boules, baguettes, knots) use sourdough