Why You Should Start Making Sourdough: A Beginner’s Guide

Sourdough is more than just bread—it’s a journey, a process, and a connection to something deeper. If you’ve ever wondered, "Why should I start making sourdough?" the answer lies in its unique blend of flavour, tradition, and the quiet lessons it teaches about patience and mindfulness.

"Sourdough teaches us that patience is the secret ingredient to something truly beautiful."
– Lisa Robitaille, Great Lakes Living

1. Sourdough is Healthier Than Regular Bread

One of the biggest reasons to start making sourdough is its health benefits. Unlike commercial bread, which often relies on fast-acting yeast and additives, sourdough is naturally fermented. This process breaks down gluten and phytic acid, making it easier to digest and more nutritious. For those with mild gluten sensitivities, sourdough can be a game-changer. Plus, its lower glycemic index means it won’t spike your blood sugar like other breads.

2. It’s a Living Connection to Tradition

Sourdough is more than just bread—it’s a link to the past. For centuries, bakers have relied on wild yeast and bacteria to leaven their loaves. When you bake sourdough, you’re participating in a tradition that spans generations. Your sourdough starter, a mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast from the air, becomes a living heirloom. It’s a reminder that some of the best things in life take time.

3. The Flavour is Unmatched

If you’ve ever tasted a freshly baked sourdough loaf, you know how incredible it is. The tangy, complex flavour can’t be replicated with commercial yeast. Each loaf is unique, shaped by the environment, the flour, and the care you put into it. Whether you’re making a classic boule, a crusty baguette, or a soft sandwich loaf, sourdough’s flavour is worth the effort.

4. It Teaches Patience and Mindfulness

In a world that often feels rushed, sourdough is a gentle reminder to slow down. Baking sourdough isn’t something you can hurry. It requires time, attention, and a willingness to embrace the process. From feeding your starter to shaping your dough, each step invites you to be present. As Lisa Robitaille said, "Patience is the secret ingredient to something truly beautiful." Sourdough is proof of that.

5. It’s Surprisingly Simple to Start

You might think sourdough is complicated, but it’s actually quite simple to begin. All you need is flour, water, and a little patience to create your starter. Once it’s active, you can bake bread with just three ingredients: flour, water, and salt. Yes, there’s a learning curve, but that’s part of the fun. Every loaf teaches you something new, and there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of pulling your first perfect loaf from the oven.

6. It’s a Sustainable Choice

Sourdough is a sustainable way to bake. Unlike commercial bread, which often relies on packaged yeast and preservatives, sourdough uses natural fermentation. This means fewer additives and less waste. Plus, a well-maintained sourdough starter can last for years, reducing the need for store-bought yeast.

How to Get Started with Sourdough

Create Your Starter

Mix equal parts flour and water and let it sit at room temperature. Feed it daily, discarding half each time, until it becomes bubbly and active. While this process can take 7-14 days, I recommend the 14-day method for a stronger, more resilient starter. If you’d like a step-by-step class, check out our online class on making a sourdough starter here.

Gather Your Tools

You’ll need a few basic tools to get started:

• A kitchen scale
• A Dutch oven (optional)
• A bench scraper

These tools make the process easier and more precise.

Start Baking

Begin with a simple recipe, like our Beginner Sourdough Recipe (you can find it here). This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, from mixing your dough to pulling a golden, crusty loaf from the oven.

Why Choose Great Lakes Sourdough Starter?

• Organic Ingredients: Our starter is made with only the finest organic flour and water, ensuring a pure and natural product.
• Product of Canada: Proudly crafted on the shores of the Great Lakes, where Lake Ontario meets the St. Lawrence River, our starter is a celebration of Canadian heritage. This region has long been a place of connection and sustenance, where First Nations peoples travelled, traded, and thrived, drawing life from the land and water. By choosing our starter, you’re not just baking bread—you’re becoming part of a story that stretches back through generations.
• Beginner-Friendly: Whether you’re new to sourdough or a seasoned baker, our starter is easy to use and comes with helpful resources to guide you.

An Invitation to Slow Down 

Sourdough isn’t just bread—it’s a way of life. It teaches us to slow down, to appreciate the process, and to find beauty in the waiting. Whether you’re drawn to its health benefits, its rich flavour, or its connection to tradition, sourdough has something to offer everyone.

So, why should you start making sourdough? Because it’s more than just a loaf of bread. It’s a journey, a lesson, and a reminder that the best things in life take time.