Behind the fascinating (and delicious!) science of sourdough

Eco serves one of the most remarkable sourdoughs London has to offer. But what really is sourdough and why do we love it so much?

Why is everyone obsessed with sourdough?

Real sourdough bread is natural. In other words, it’s made without commercial yeast, processing aids, or artificial additives.

When you make a regular pizza base, your key ingredient is active dry yeast, which reacts with gluten to make the dough rise.

Sourdough, however, must be made with what we call a ‘starter’. A starter is made from a combination of yeast and naturally occurring lactobacilli, contributing to the ‘sour’ taste associated with sourdough.

Sourdough baking requires minimal equipment and simple ingredients: flour, water and time.

Purism is a huge part of the appeal.

What is unique about sourdough?

The origin of sourdough fermentation relates to the agricultural landscape of Egypt several thousands years earlier. For most of human history, bread production actually relied on the use of sourdough starter as a leavening agent to make dough rise.

Sourdough cultures contain communities of living organisms, with a history unique to each individual starter, and bakers, like Eco’s founder Sami, feel an obligation to maintain them.

What makes a baker’s hands different from anyone else’s?

Sami grew up in Egypt with a strong connection to the land, which helped him to develop skills in harvest, craft and fermentation. Passed down by his grandfather was a passion for sourdough making. But as all bakers know, sourdough needs a certain kind of expertise gained only with time.

Sami spent thirty years perfecting his own sourdough recipe, getting to know exactly how the art of sourdough making works. He was driven by a thirst for knowledge, learning all about how slight differences in the baking process can significantly contribute to the taste of the bread.

It’s this kind of knowledge that divides the bakers from the amateurs.

What are people saying about Eco?

“Great tasting food at value for money prices. Consistently good. Friendly and efficient staff. When busy it has a lovely buzz”. – Peter Schutterin. Source: Google Review.

“Love this restaurant. Great atmosphere, amazing food, and superb friendly service. Definitely our ‘go to’ restaurant when in Clapham... 10/10”. – Jason L. Source: Tripadvisor.

“Eaten here for approx 27 years over time. But every time delicious pizzas, staff and chilled vibe. Grab a piece of Italy and enjoy! I dare ya”. – Claire Mckenzie. Source: Facebook.

“Gorgeous little restaurant. Great food, chilled vibe and lovely staff. Definitely would recommend for a cosy night out with a very authentic feel”. – Olivia C. Source: The Fork.

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