Your calm, mindful ritual for slow mornings and wholesome living.

Sourdough bread has become one of the most loved slow-living rituals — and for good reason. It’s grounding, nourishing, naturally fermented, and beautifully simple once you understand the rhythm. Whether you're a complete beginner or someone looking to perfect your loaf, this long-form guide will walk you through every step while keeping things friendly and easy to follow.

💚 Why Sourdough? The Benefits of Naturally Fermented Bread

Sourdough isn’t just “bread made differently.”
It’s bread made better — both for your body and for your lifestyle.

1. Easier to Digest

The long fermentation process naturally breaks down gluten and carbohydrates, making sourdough easier on the stomach for many people.

2. More Nutrient-Dense

Fermentation increases the availability of nutrients such as:

• Magnesium
• Iron
• B vitamins
• Zinc

3. Naturally Preserved

Sourdough lasts longer than commercial bread without preservatives because of its natural acidity and beneficial bacteria.

4. A Mindful Ritual

At FitNest Living Co., we believe wellness often comes from tiny moments — quiet, intentional pauses that help you reconnect with yourself.
Sourdough is exactly that kind of ritual: slow, grounding, sensory, and deeply satisfying.

🍞 What You Need to Get Started

One of the beauties of sourdough is how simple the tools and ingredients truly are.

Basic Ingredients

• 150g active sourdough starter
• 350g warm water
• 500g strong bread flour
• 10g fine sea salt

Helpful Tools

You can make sourdough with basic kitchen items, but these tools improve consistency:

• Mixing bowl
• Digital scales
• Dough scraper
• Banneton or bowl with a floured tea towel
• Dutch oven (for that perfect crust)

If you’re just starting your sourdough journey, FitNest Living’s Artisan Bread & Fermentation Collection includes beginner-friendly tools designed for effortless home baking.

🔍 Understanding Your Sourdough Starter

Your starter is the heart of sourdough. Active, bubbly, and happy starter equals a light, airy loaf.

Signs your starter is ready to bake:

• Doubled in size
• Bubbles across the surface
• Smells slightly sweet or tangy
• Passes the “float test” (a small spoonful floats in water)

If your starter seems sluggish, give it a few regular feedings and keep it in a warm spot.
A thriving starter makes everything easier.

🥣 Step-By-Step: How to Make Sourdough Bread (Beginner-Friendly)

1. Mix the Dough

Combine your starter and warm water, whisking until cloudy. Add flour and salt.
Mix until you have a rough dough. This part takes less than two minutes.

Rest for 30 minutes — this is your autolyse, and it helps gluten formation naturally.

2. Strengthen the Dough (Stretch & Fold)

Instead of kneading, sourdough uses gentle stretch-and-folds.

Every 30 minutes, repeat:

• Grab one side of the dough
• Stretch upward
• Fold over
• Rotate the bowl

Do this 3–4 times.
This improves structure without any aggressive kneading.

3. Bulk Fermentation

This is where the dough rises and develops flavor.

A well-fermented dough will:

• Look puffy
• Feel soft and jiggly
• Be roughly doubled

Warm day: 3–4 hours
Cool day: 5–6 hours

This step teaches patience — and patience gives you better bread.

4. Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out gently; don’t punch it down.

Shape into:

• A round boule (easiest), or
• An oval batard

Use your hands to create surface tension by dragging the dough lightly across your bench.

Place into a floured banneton for proofing.

5. Cold Proof Overnight

This slow, refrigerated rise:

• Develops a deeper flavour
• Makes the dough easier to score
• Improves the crust and oven spring
• Leave it in the fridge 8–12 hours.

This step is perfect for busy lives — it fits neatly around your schedule.

6. Bake Your Sourdough

Preheat your oven and Dutch oven to 240°C (460°F).

When ready:

1. Turn dough onto baking paper
2. Score with a sharp blade
3. Lift into the hot Dutch oven
4. Bake covered for 30 minutes
5. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp

Wait at least 1 hour before slicing (the crumb continues to set — trust me, it’s worth it).

🧈 Serving Ideas: Make Every Slice Special

Sourdough elevates even the simplest meals. Try it with:

• Soft butter & flaky sea salt
• Poached eggs & fresh herbs
• Avocado & chilli flakes
• Ricotta & honey
• Garlic butter & rosemary
• Tomato slices with basil & olive oil

Or simply enjoy it warm, straight from the oven — a moment of pure comfort.

💭 Troubleshooting: Common Sourdough Questions

Why is my loaf dense?

Your starter might not be active enough, or the dough didn’t ferment long enough.

Why is my dough sticky?

High hydration is normal — use a dough scraper and wet hands.

Why didn’t my bread rise?

Temperature, starter health, and fermentation time all play a part.

🌿 The Mindful Magic of Sourdough

In a fast, busy world, sourdough is a gentle reminder to slow down.
It teaches patience.
It brings you back into your hands and senses.
And it fills your home with warmth in a way almost nothing else does.

At FitNest Living Co., we believe wellness comes from these small, grounding rituals — the ones that make your day feel calmer and your home feel more lived-in and loved.