Top Sourdough Baking Essentials to explore: Remember the days of lockdown, when everyone was suddenly a baker? Photos of bubbly, crusty loaves spread across social media. And the fad may have cooled, but the love for good bread has not.
The process of making sourdough is very different from mixing and baking a standard sandwich loaf. It does not involve the little commercial packets of yeast. Instead, it thrives on what Shrier calls ‘wild yeast’ collected from the air and flour. This isn’t difficult to do, but it takes patience, and a few tools, not all of which you have on hand.
Why Choose Sourdough?
In India, we know the advantages of fermentation from dosa or idlis. Sourdough follows in that vein. The long fermentation process breaks down gluten and phytic acid, making the bread easier to digest than most white loaves. Our kitchens are typically warmer, so the dough ferments much more quickly than in Europe. The right tools also help you manage this process effectively.
Here are the top baking tools and accessories you can get on Amazon for your sourdough adventures:
5 Sourdough Baking Essentials Deals
Cultures to Love by Zoh San Francisco Starter
Capturing wild yeast from scratch can take weeks and often fails. Zoh offers a live culture that traces its lineage back 120 years to Europe. It arrives ready to be fed and woken up in your kitchen. This organic starter gives you a head start on baking delicious loaves without using commercial yeast.
Usage Tip: Feed the starter with equal parts water and flour daily.
Supvox Sourdough Starter Kit
Guessing when your starter has peaked is a common mistake for beginners. This glass jar gets a printed scale on the side to track the growth precisely. Further, it comes with a thermometer strip to ensure your culture stays at the right temperature. The set includes a silicone spatula for clean mixing.
Usage Tip: Use the rubber band to mark the starting level after feeding.
HASTHIP Silicone Bread Basket
Traditional cane baskets can sometimes grow mould in humid weather if not dried properly. Hasthip provides a silicone alternative that is hygienic and very easy to clean. It holds the shape of your dough while it proves for the final rise. The material is non-stick, so your loaf pops out easily.
Usage Tip: Dust the inside lightly with rice flour to prevent sticking.
Also Read: Compact Countertop Water Purifiers for Cleaner Drinking Water
JOSEF MARC Farine De Ble T65 Bread Flour
Using standard chapati atta often results in a dense, flat loaf. This French-style T65 flour has the right protein content to build a strong gluten network. It helps create that open, airy texture inside the bread. You get a crisp crust that crackles satisfyingly when sliced.
Usage Tip: Use chilled water when mixing to keep the dough temperature low.
Bread Basket Set With Linen Liner
Shaping wet dough requires a solid form to stop it from spreading out flat. This traditional basket supports the loaf and gives it a beautiful spiral pattern. The included fabric lining wicks away excess moisture from the surface of the dough. It is perfect for both professional and amateur bakers.
Usage Tip: Dry the basket in the sun after use to keep it fresh.
FAQs
Can sourdough bread help with digestion?
Yes, the longer fermentation causes gluten to degrade, so it’s much more gentle on your tummy than breads made with instant yeast.
Can I use normal flour for sourdough?
You can, but bread flour that is labeled as ‘strong’ has more protein in it to help your bread rise more and maintain a better shape.
