Sourdough - Oh No It Isn’T

[bainbrig]

Apparently, as there are no rules governing the name ‘Sourdough’, supermarkets can label any bread ‘sourdough’ however it’s made.

Thus, ordinary yeast-started bread can be called sourdough - they just flavour it with lemony-type flavourings.

Should there be such regulations?

BB

[bainbrig]

Yes, but you wouldn’t find ‘yeast’ listed as an ingredient, would you?

[woofgang]

why not?

[bainbrig]

Because they're only obliged to list things they put into the product! Yeast isn't put in, it's part of the sourdough 'starter'. This is what's listed for that Waitrose 1 Sourdough: Fortified Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Calcium Carbonate, Iron, Niacin, Thiamin), Water, Rye Flour, Salt, Wholemeal Wheat Flour. The yeast element comes from the air, so isn't something that Mr Waitrose actually stirs into his pot.

[woofgang]

that's a bit cheeky.....there is enough yeast in sourdough to give you a nasty time if you are allergic to it

[bainbrig]

Just got a Waitrose 1 loaf. Hmm. Certainly only flour and starter, so it is a sourdough, but doesn't taste much like proper sourdough! Also, for some barmy reason, it is SLICED, and arrived nearly frozen. Once thawed out a bit, it is still not freshly baked. It'll make good toast, but why do they have to slice it?