Sourdough Bread: A Timeless Food for Better Health
Few foods feel as comforting—or as nourishing—as fresh bread. But not all bread is created equal. While supermarket loaves are often loaded with preservatives, added sugars, and artificial ingredients, sourdough bread is as natural as it gets.
At Hello To Natural, we’ve started exploring the art of sourdough baking (Darrell has officially taken on the role of bread maker in the family!). Along the way, we’ve discovered that sourdough isn’t just tasty......it’s one of the best foods for gut health, blood sugar balance, and overall wellness.
Whether you’re curious about baking your bread, eating more wholesome foods, or buying sourdough for your family, now is the perfect time to learn more.
How to Make a Sourdough Starter
The foundation of every sourdough loaf is the starter. A sourdough starter is a natural leavening agent made by mixing just flour and water. Over several days, wild yeast and beneficial bacteria from the air feed on the mixture, creating a living, bubbling culture that makes bread rise.
Basic steps to make a sourdough starter:
Step one- Mix equal parts flour and water in a clean jar.
Step two- Cover loosely and let it rest at room temperature.
Step three- Every day, discard half and feed the remaining starter with fresh flour and water.
Note: Within 5–7 days, you’ll have a bubbly, active starter ready for baking.
It’s simple, but it requires patience. Once established, a starter can last for years if properly fed and cared for.
Why Homemade Sourdough is Better Than Store-Bought Bread
Most commercial breads are made to last, not to nourish. They’re filled with:
Preservatives to extend shelf life
Added sugars for taste
Artificial conditioners to speed up the process
Homemade sourdough, by contrast, is just flour, water, and salt. Nothing extra. That means no chemicals, no unnecessary additives, and no compromises. It’s bread the way it was meant to be eaten.
Health Benefits of Sourdough Bread
1. Helps Manage Blood Sugar
The fermentation process lowers the glycemic index of sourdough bread compared to regular bread. This means it doesn’t spike blood sugar as sharply and may support steadier energy levels throughout the day.
2. Supports Gut Health
Sourdough is rich in beneficial bacteria and acts like a natural probiotic. The fermentation also makes nutrients more bioavailable while breaking down gluten and phytic acid, which can make it easier to digest for many people.
3. Packed with Nutrients
Because sourdough improves mineral absorption, it can help your body access more iron, magnesium, and B vitamins from the grains.
4. A Natural, Whole Food
With no hidden preservatives or chemicals, sourdough is one of the cleanest, most wholesome breads you can eat.
How to Make and Bake Sourdough Bread
Once your starter is active, making sourdough bread involves:
Mixing flour, water, salt, and starter into a dough.
Resting and folding over several hours to build strength.
Shaping and proofing the dough until it’s airy and ready to bake.
Bake in a hot oven (often inside a Dutch oven) until golden and crusty.
The result? A beautifully rustic loaf with a crunchy crust and soft, tangy interior.
Storing and Freezing Sourdough Bread
Room temperature: Keep your loaf in a bread bag, paper bag, or wrapped in a towel. Avoid plastic—it traps moisture and makes bread soggy.
Freezing: Sourdough freezes wonderfully. You can freeze the whole loaf or slice it first, wrap it tightly, and pull out individual pieces as needed. Toast slices straight from the freezer for a fresh-baked taste.
Why Now is the Perfect Time to Try Sourdough
In a world where health and wellness matter more than ever, now is the time to think about eating more natural foods. Baking sourdough isn’t just about bread; it’s about slowing down, taking control of what goes into your body, and connecting to food more deeply.
For us, Darrell’s journey into sourdough has been both fun and inspiring. And here’s an exciting teaser: in the future, we may offer sourdough starters or even already-baked and frozen loaves on the Hello To Natural website. That way, you can bring the health benefits of sourdough to your table, whether you love baking or just want wholesome bread ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts: Sourdough for Optimal Health
Sourdough bread is more than just food; it’s a lifestyle choice. It nourishes your body, supports your gut, balances your blood sugar, and keeps your meals rooted in simplicity and health.
Whether you decide to bake it, buy it, or enjoy it with your family, sourdough is truly bread worth coming back to.
We invite you to follow our new Instagram Page @mississippisourdough where we post pictures, videos, demos, and how-tos.
