This week I have been surprised and concerned to read about the drought in Barcelona. Like many of you I feel that I need to play a part in fighting climate change. So I thought I’d take this morning as an opportunity to share with you why the Botanical No 0+ blend is such an important component for members of The Sourdough Club to use in their everyday baking. Fo those of you who are interested in joining we have a spring sale for a limited number of 100 reduced rate memberships at £99 and £9.99 per month. This is a significantly discounted price ( RRP is £249 to join and normally £15.99 monthly fees.)
In the video above you can hear about how artisan flour is more than about just following a recipe. It is about connecting and one way that you really understand your flour more is by keeping a record as you bake, and then adjusting the recipes the next time you make it. The Sourdough loaf record kit is perfect to do this with.
This blend is not just a mere ingredient; it represents a philosophy of baking that intertwines the art of sourdough with the principles of diversity, sustainability, and personal well-being. I wrote extensively about this along with recipes using this flour in the Sweet Sourdough School book.
The Botanical Blend No. 0+ is a thoughtfully curated base blend, composed of 10 different grains, seeds, and pulses, along with nettles and seaweed. It’s designed to be a starting point, a canvas if you will, for bakers to add their personal touch. This ability to customise is crucial. It allows bakers to experiment with flavours and textures, adding their unique twist to their bakes. For instance, incorporating coriander seeds and coffee, or perhaps a blend of orange zest and cardamom, or even caraway seeds and lemon zest, which can transform a simple loaf into a bespoke creation that tantalises the taste buds and nourishes the soul.
But the significance of this flour goes beyond just baking. It’s about making a difference. By using this blend, we are not only embracing diversity in our diets but also supporting sustainable farming practices. This flour is a testament to the belief that our choices in the kitchen can have a profound impact on the larger environment and our communities.
The photos above are of some of the amazing sourdough bakeries in Barcelona .
OUR PART IN HELPING THE COMMUNITY
What’s more, profits from the sale of the Botanical Blend No. 0+ are reinvested into our systems change programme. This programme enables local GPs, trained by The Sourdough School, to be trained for free and to prescribe subsidised sourdough lifestyle medicine courses, along with some No.0+ flour, to their patients. It’s a way of giving back, and for using our passion for baking to foster healthier lifestyles and communities.
In summary, the Botanical Blend No. 0+ is more than just flour; it’s a representation of our values at The Sourdough Club. It’s about baking with purpose, embracing diversity, nurturing our health, and making a positive impact on the planet. I am proud of this creation and encourage every member of our club to explore the endless possibilities it present!
To get your hands on our blend, follow this link
In the meantime I thought I’d open up one of the recipes from the club that uses the botanical blend flour, so you can see the layout, and you can get a taste of what we offer. This simple sourdough pasta recipe is for absolute beginners. You don’t need an oven or any fancy equipment and is really enjoyable for the whole family.
Have fun, Happy baking.
Dr Vanessa Kimbell
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