It’s not every day that you receive a text from your mom asking if you want a historic sourdough starter from the 1800s!
I was recently gifted a starter from early 1850s California that has been passed down for over a century and is known for its robustness and unique flavor profile. It came from a surprise text from my mother, whose friend had this starter in her own collection.
I’ve been experimenting with different recipes and techniques and I’m happy to report that this starter makes some of the best bread I’ve ever tasted. I shared it with a prolific sourdough-baking neighbor, too, and he was immediately converted from his home-grown culture. I guess starter, like wine, really does age well!
