The Art, Science, History, and Stories of Sourdough: From the Start to Now

In this episode of Family Tree, Food & Stories, we’re rising to a new level with sourdough.

What began as an accidental blend of flour and water over 4,500 years ago, sourdough has evolved into a global obsession—and in this episode, Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely delve into the rich story of how it all started and its subsequent expansion. From ancient Egyptian brewing methods to quirky pandemic starter names like “Twinkle,” which have been shared around the world, this discussion dishes up wild history, a little kitchen chemistry, and some family stories and traditions. You’ve likely got a few of your own to share, too.

Nancy & Sylvia share how this wild yeast has different flavors, and why every kitchen’s sourdough has its unique sourdough profile.  Then Nancy shares her own experience with the living creature dough and more.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just curious, you’ll want to listen in and learn more about the ever-popular sourdough.

Key Learning Points:

1. The Ancient history of sourdough:  How it’s been recreated from a 4,500-year-old yeast find.
2. WildYeast Flavors: from sweet to sour
3. Starter Stories: One group of men even slept with their starter.  Learn why!
4. Cultural Revival: What’s making it so popular today
5. Art and Science: behind sourdough today

Do you have a sourdough story of your own? We want to hear it! Share your starter’s name, your best (or worst) loaf, when your starter was first "born," and more. Go to Podcast.familytreefoodstories.com. Don’t forget to subscribe,

leave us a review, and spread the love—because every story is a feast, and every loaf tells a tale.

Additional Links ❤️

• Book: My Family Tree, Food & Stories Journal Awarded #1 New Release on Amazon
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About Your Award-Winning Hosts: Nancy May and Sylvia Lovely are the powerhouse team behind Family Tree, Food & Stories, a member of The Food Stories Media Network, which celebrates the rich traditions and connections everyone has around food, friends, and family meals. Nancy, an award-winning business leader, author, and podcaster, and Sylvia, a visionary author, lawyer, and former CEO, combine their expertise to bring captivating stories rooted in history, heritage, and food. Together, they weave stories that blend history, tradition, and the love of food, where generations connect and share intriguing mealtime stories and kitchen foibles.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Book #1 Midroll 6-19-25 update