What is sourdough yeast?
Sourdough breads are famous in the San Francisco area. The yeast is of a slightly different breed, Saccaromyces esigus. It multiplies at a much lower rate than standard baker's yeast. The resulting product is much more compact and dense.The end product is more acidic because the yeast cannot digest maltose sugar, thus a certain type of indigenous San Francisco bacteria takes over. It is the byproduct of the bacteria which is highly acidic, giving that characteristic sourdough flavor.
More About Leaveners:
• What is yeast?• What is baking soda?
• What is baking powder?
• What is sourdough?
• Leavener History
• Yeast Bread Recipes
• Breadmachine Recipes
• All Bread Recipes
Yeast Leavener Photo © 2009 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Cookbooks
| • | Artisan Baking |
| • | Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day |
| • | The Bread Baker's Apprentice |
| • | How Baking Works |
| • | More Cookbooks |


