Switched from instant yeast to sourdough starter and it changed my bread completely

I used instant yeast for about 2 years because it was fast and reliable. Last November I finally tried building my own starter from flour and water. It took 12 days to get it active and bubbly, but the flavor is way deeper now. Has anyone else made the jump and found their loaves taste totally different?

2 comments

2 Comments

alicem2924d ago

Used to think sourdough was just a trend and instant yeast was the way to go. But then I tried making my own starter last summer and it completely flipped my opinion. The difference in flavor is night and day, even with the same basic recipe. My loaves now have this tangy, complex taste that just wasn't there before. It takes more planning but totally worth the wait.

charles_wilson24d ago

@salanagallagher got it right mostly. One thing though - sourdough isn't just about flavor. The texture difference is huge too. Your crumb structure changes completely with a strong starter. That open hole pattern you see in bakery bread? Hard to get with instant yeast alone. Plus the crust gets this deep caramelized crunch that store yeast just never gives you.