Great feature from CNBC about the comeback of high quality, healthy and artisanal breads.
The Rise of Sourdough
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How to Choose the Best Sourdough Bread: A Buyer’s Guide
By Dr. Jorge, Ph.D. Wildgrain, opens in a new tab is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. Craving sourdough bread but not sure which loaves are truly authentic? With so many options on the shelves, spotting a real sourdough loaf can be tricky. In this article, we’ll show you how to tell traditional sourdough bread from the rest and share tips for picking the best loaf, whether from a bakery or the store. Is real sourdough bread good for you? Is sourdough bread healthy? Real sourdough bread can be good for you, as its unique fermentation process makes it rich in nutrients that the body can easily absorb. It has been linked to several health benefits, including improved digestion and more stable blood sugar levels. Sourdough bread also tends to be more nutritious than traditional bread, with higher levels of vitamins, minerals, and beneficial bacteria that support gut health. Is there fake sourdough bread? How to tell fake sourdough bread? Yes, “fake” sourdough bread does exist. Many breads labeled as sourdough are made with commercial yeast rather than undergoing the traditional long fermentation process that gives real sourdough its unique flavor and health benefits. To tell if sourdough bread is authentic, look for signs like a tangy, slightly sour taste, a chewy texture with irregular air pockets, and ingredients that include only flour, water, salt, and a natural sourdough starter, without added yeast or other ingredients. Is supermarket sourdough real or fake? Which sourdough bread is real? How do I know if it’s real sourdough bread? Much of the sourdough bread sold in supermarkets is not traditional sourdough, as it often contains added yeast and other ingredients, such as vinegar or yogurt, to mimic the tangy flavor of sourdough. Real sourdough bread typically has a short ingredient list and may note that it was slow-fermented or made with a levain (sourdough starter). If you’re looking for authentic sourdough bread, bakeries are often the best option. How can you tell a good sourdough bread? How to pick the best sourdough bread? Good sourdough bread is characterized by a crispy, golden-brown crust, a firm yet airy open crumb with irregular medium to large holes, a rounded shape, and a loaf that feels light rather than dense. The tanginess of the flavor can vary depending on the amount of sourdough starter used and the length of fermentation. To pick the best sourdough bread, read the ingredient list carefully and watch for added ingredients. You should also look for a golden-colored crust, a round belly, and a loaf that feels light for its size. Wildgrain Sourdough Bread is often considered some of the best sourdough bread for having these characteristics. What is the secret to good sourdough bread? The secret to good sourdough bread, like Wildgrain’s Sourdough Bread, is a strong, active sourdough starter, proper fermentation, and high-heat baking with steam. Each step of the sourdough bread–making method influences the bread’s flavor, texture, and digestibility. This hands-on approach is difficult to replicate at scale, which is why high-quality, real sourdough bread is typically made by skilled bakers and more commonly found in bakeries than on supermarket shelves. What does overproofed sourdough bread look like? What does underproofed sourdough bread look like? Overproofed sourdough bread typically has a flat shape instead of the characteristic rounded rise, and it may appear pale and feel dense or heavy. Underproofed sourdough, on the other hand, is also dense but often has irregular, large holes within the bread’s crumb, giving it a gummy and undercooked texture. The shape of underproofed bread is usually more round or spherical, and the loaf may crack or split along the sides as the gas produced during fermentation escapes. Knowing the differences between underproofed and overproofed sourdough bread can help you identify sourdough bread with the ideal texture and taste. What is the best sourdough bread to buy? What is the best store-bought sourdough bread? The best sourdough bread to buy is one made by a bakery, like Wildgrain. Look for a short ingredient list containing only the essentials: sourdough starter, flour, water, and salt. Beyond the ingredients, you can judge a sourdough bread loaf by its appearance and feel. A crisp, golden-brown crust, a rounded shape, and a light, airy texture are signs of well-proofed sourdough bread. For store-bought sourdough bread, the ingredient list is the most reliable way to determine if it’s traditional sourdough or a “fake” version made with added yeast and other shortcuts. Where can I buy sourdough bread online? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular breads include whole wheat sourdough, plain sourdough loaf and rye sourdough loaf. Wildgrain’s Sourdough Bread is often considered to be among the best sourdough bread you can enjoy at home. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Dr. Jorge has been a public health researcher for many years, holding both a Bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. They presently work as a medical writer and love being able to assist others in understanding various health and scientific topics. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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Best Bread for Endometriosis
By Dr. Jorge, Ph.D. Wildgrain, opens in a new tab is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. If you have endometriosis, you may be curious about how your diet could affect your symptoms. Certain foods can trigger inflammation or worsen digestive issues, while others may help reduce discomfort associated with endometriosis. In this article, we’ll look at common food triggers and share tips on choosing foods that may help ease endometriosis symptoms. What is the best diet for endometriosis? Can endometriosis go away with diet? An anti-inflammatory, balanced, and largely plant-based diet is considered best for managing endometriosis. This includes fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with other nutrient-dense options like nuts, seeds, and dark leafy greens. While diet alone cannot make endometriosis go away or cure the condition, it can play an important role in helping reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. What foods make endometriosis worse? Which foods should be avoided with endometriosis? Food triggers for endometriosis can vary from person to person, but certain foods are commonly associated with worsened symptoms. Common food triggers for endometriosis include alcohol, red meat, caffeine, gluten, dairy, and added sugar. It’s also recommended to limit highly processed foods that are high in salt, saturated fats, preservatives, and artificial food dyes. Together, these foods may worsen endometriosis symptoms by triggering inflammation, raising insulin levels, and irritating the gut. Can you eat bread with endometriosis? Do carbs make endometriosis worse? Yes, you can still eat bread with endometriosis; however, gluten may worsen symptoms for some people. Certain carbohydrates, such as white bread or white pasta, can exacerbate pain because they are refined carbs that may increase inflammation and spike insulin levels. If you don’t have a gluten sensitivity, choosing whole-grain bread is generally a better option, as it provides more fiber and may support an anti-inflammatory diet. Which flour reduces inflammation? Which flour is best for endometriosis? Flour that is made from whole grains, high in fiber, or naturally gluten-free is generally considered more anti-inflammatory. Examples include whole wheat flour, buckwheat flour, oat flour, almond flour, and coconut flour. The best flour for endometriosis ultimately depends on your individual food triggers. If you’re unsure whether gluten worsens your endometriosis symptoms, choosing gluten-free flour, such as almond flour, coconut flour, oat flour, or buckwheat flour, may be a helpful place to start. Does gluten affect endometriosis? Is gluten-free bread ok for endometriosis? Gluten can worsen endometriosis symptoms for some people, though this is not the case for everyone. In individuals who are sensitive to gluten, it may promote systemic inflammation, aggravate gut issues, and increase pelvic pain, bloating, and fatigue associated with endometriosis. For these individuals, choosing gluten-free bread can be a suitable alternative to regular bread and may help support the management of endometriosis symptoms. Is whole wheat bread good for endometriosis? Is sourdough bread better for endometriosis? Is whole-grain bread better for endometriosis? Whole wheat bread can be a good option for people with endometriosis, as it is made from whole grains that are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Similarly, sourdough bread may be a good choice for endometriosis because it is also anti-inflammatory and generally easier to digest than other types of bread. Sourdough bread is also often better tolerated by those with gluten sensitivity, as it typically contains less gluten than regular white bread. Overall, both whole wheat bread and sourdough bread can be supportive choices for endometriosis, depending on individual tolerance and symptom triggers. What bread is good for endometriosis? What’s the best bread for endometriosis? The best bread for endometriosis will depend on which ingredients your body tolerates well. In general, bread that is high in fiber and low in gluten is likely the most supportive option for endometriosis. This includes whole wheat bread, sourdough bread, and gluten-free bread varieties. Choosing bread that minimizes inflammation and supports digestion can help manage endometriosis symptoms, and experimenting with different types of bread can help you find what works best for your symptoms. Where can I buy healthy bread online? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular breads include whole wheat sourdough, plain sourdough loaf and rye sourdough loaf. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Dr. Jorge has been a public health researcher for many years, holding both a Bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. They presently work as a medical writer and love being able to assist others in understanding various health and scientific topics. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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What’s Healthier: Jam vs. Jelly vs. Preserves vs. Marmalade
By Lucy Yanckello, Ph.D. Wildgrain, opens in a new tab, is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries. Fruit spreads often show up on breakfast tables, but labels are often confusing. Jam, jelly, preserves, and marmalade are all made from fruit, but they are different in how they are prepared, how much fruit they contain, and how much added sugar they include. Understanding these differences makes it easier to choose the option that best fits into your health goals and taste preferences. What’s the difference: jam vs. jelly vs. preserves vs. marmalade? The main difference between types of fruit spread comes down to how much fruit is used and how this fruit is processed. Jelly is made from fruit juice, giving it a smooth clear texture with no pieces of fruit left in the final product. On the other hand, jam is made from crushed fruits so it has a thicker texture and usually contains small bits of fruit. Preserves contain the most intact fruit, often consisting of large pieces or whole chunks of fruit suspended in a syrup. Lastly, marmalade is typically made from citrus fruits and includes the peel, giving it a slightly bitter flavor and more complex texture than jam or jelly. Additionally, all four fruit spreads contain varying levels of added sugar, and jelly, jam, and preserves contain pectin (either added or naturally) which is a naturally occurring fiber in fruits that is used as a thickener. Which is healthier: jam or jelly? When comparing jelly and jam, jam is often considered to be healthier because it is made with crushed fruit rather than just fruit juice. As such, it typically contains more fiber and naturally occurring vitamins and minerals. Jelly, while still providing flavor and energy from carbohydrates, usually offers fewer nutritional benefits than jam. However, there is a place for both jelly and jam in a balanced diet. Portion size is often more important than label contents when it comes to overall health. Which is healthier: preserves or marmalade? Preserves often have a slight edge as healthier than marmalade because they contain larger pieces of fruit. More fruit generally means more fiber and micronutrients. Fiber plays a role in digestion and blood sugar regulation, supporting overall health. Marmalade can also be a good choice since citrus peel contains beneficial compounds such as vitamin C. However, marmalade is often higher in sugar to balance the bitterness of the citrus rind, so be sure to check the label. Are preserves healthier than jelly? Are preserves better than jelly? In most cases, yes, preserves are a better option than jelly because they contain whole fruit. More whole fruit means more fiber and a slightly lower glycemic impact, making preserves a good option for those looking for a fruit spread with more nutritional value. Jelly tends to be higher in added sugars and contain fewer nutrients as it only contains the juice of fruit, instead of whole pieces. Which has less sugar: jam, jelly, preserves, or marmalade? Sugar content in each fruit spread varies more by brand than by type but there are some general patterns. Jelly often has the highest sugar content because it relies on only fruit juice for flavor, meaning a lot of the burden falls on sugar for structure and texture. Marmalade is also often higher in sugar to balance out the bitterness of citrus peel. Preserves and jam may contain less sugar since they rely more on the fruit itself for sweetness. You can also find low-sugar, or no-added-sugar versions of each type of fruit spread. Be sure to read the labels to better understand the sugar content of your favorite brand. Is toast and jam a healthy snack? Is toast and marmalade healthy? Toast with jam or marmalade can be a healthy snack when eaten in moderation. Be sure to use whole grain or sourdough toast to up the fiber and nutrients since fruit spreads already have a high carbohydrate content. Pairing this snack with a protein source like yogurt or nut butter could also make it more balanced and satiating. Can I eat preserves and lose weight? If I eat jam and jelly, can I still lose weight? Yes you can still lose weight by eating preserves or jam. Weight loss depends on a caloric deficit, not the presence or absence of a specific food or food group. Opting for spreads with lower added sugar can also help support weight management and keep you in a caloric deficit. Can diabetics have preserves? Can diabetics have jam or jelly? Can you eat marmalade with diabetes? People with diabetes can enjoy fruit spreads in moderation. Traditional jam, jelly, preserves, and marmalade can raise blood sugar due to their sugar content. However, spreads made with reduced sugar content, or sweetened with alternative sweeteners can help keep these fruit spreads in your diet if you are diabetic. Pairing a carbohydrate rich food such as fruit spreads with fiber-rich foods such as whole grain toast, or a protein source such as greek yogurt can help mitigate blood sugar spikes. Are fruit spreads healthy? Which fruit jam is healthiest? The healthiest fruit spread is one you enjoy that fits into your diet. Opt for spreads with short ingredient lists, higher fruit content, and little to no added sweetener. Berry-based jams are a great option because berries are naturally high in antioxidants and fiber. No single spread choice will determine your health, but thoughtful choices add up over time. Where can I buy the best fresh bread and jam online? At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, rolls, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular offerings include plain sourdough loaf, whole wheat sourdough, and artisanal strawberry jam. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods. About the Author Lucy Yanckello received her Ph.D. in nutrition from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. She currently works as a medical writer and enjoys being able to help people better understand nutrition and science. This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
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