ABOUT OUR BREAD
ARTISANAL SOURDOUGH BREAD
Idaho
Sourdough
Loaf
Indulge in the timeless artistry of our sourdough bread, crafted using methods passed down through the ages. Our rustic sourdough loaves undergo a meticulous, slow fermentation process that harmonizes with the wonders of nature, allowing the flavors and textures to reach their full potential. Baked in cast iron Dutch ovens, each hearty loaf becomes the perfect canvas for your preferred spreads or fillings.
Every slice of our sourdough is a masterful blend of a crisp exterior, a delightful chewiness, and a soft, inviting interior—a testament to our unwavering commitment to perfecting the art of sourdough bread-making. The fermentation process is a transformative journey for the microbes, endowing them with an extraordinary ability to convert flour, water, and salt into a nourishing and easily digestible masterpiece.
Through the alchemy of long, slow fermentation, lactic acid bacteria and acetic acid emerge, seamlessly blending with the natural yeast from the air. The result is a bread that not only satisfies our palates but also nurtures our gut microbes. Our years of dedication to this pursuit have enlightened us to the nutritional excellence of this simple bread, untainted by commercial yeast, fillers, conditioners, and preservatives.
In the face of the current state of the commercial food supply, we have redirected our focus to the inherent value of local food—embracing both its freshness and nutritional richness. Elevate your bread experience with our artisanal sourdough, a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and the holistic nourishment it brings to your table.
about
CROW BENCH FARM
Embark on a culinary journey with us that started a decade ago, as we settled in the picturesque Clearwater Valley near Orofino, ID, and delved into the world of wholesome food. Our initial venture involved cultivating grass-fed beef and tending to a bountiful garden, which continues to be a significant part of our lives. However, our fervor has now pivoted towards the artistry of baking.
Eight years ago, we initiated our sourdough odyssey by crafting our very own starter, capturing the essence of wild yeast and beneficial bacteria unique to Idaho. Through a process marked by both triumphs and setbacks, our dedication and years of refinement have resulted in the creation of an authentic sourdough loaf. Crafted from the purest, top-tier ingredients, our handmade sourdough loaves promise a delightful fusion of freshness and nutrient density.
We extend a warm invitation for you to savor one of our meticulously crafted sourdough loaves—a testament to our joy in sharing the culmination of our passion and expertise with our valued customers.
"Good bread is the most fundamentally satisfying of all foods; and good bread with fresh butter, the greatest of feasts." ― James Beard
- James Beard -
our ingredients
QUALITY INGREDIENTS FOR THE BEST SOURDOUGH​
To ensure the highest quality, we source our flour from nearby regional farms and millers that share our values of sustainable agricultural practices and the family farm. By selecting the finest ingredients and incorporating time-honored techniques, we bring you the most nutritious locally sourced bread we can bake.
Unbleached White Flour:
Shepard’s Grain mills and distributes Pacific Northwest Grown Wheat stone a premium strong flour made from a blend of Dark Northern Spring wheat varieties. This is a world class flour made from regeneratively grown wheat.
Since 2003, Shepherd’s Grain has been establishing relationships between food producers who have implemented regenerative agricultural practices with bakeries, food processors, and consumers. Specifically, they work to procure wheat from these 3rd-Party certified sustainable farmers, and to maintain the identity of their wheat from the farm through the milling process.
By using this high quality flour we are able to source environmentally-friendly ingredients and be a part of the movement to regenerate degraded farm ground into healthy, living soil. Shepherd’s Grain is proud to be a 100% farmer-owned company.
Read more about Shepard’s Grain:
Organic Whole Grain Wheat Flour:
Harvest Ridge Organics of Lewiston, ID is a local fifth generation family of farmers, growing grains here in northern Idaho and selling local grain products to local people. Harvest Ridge Organics is certified organic by the Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture and a member of Idaho Preferred. They have a small mill and make delicious, nutritious flour from hard red wheat for breads.
Read more about Harvest Ridge Organics:
https://harvestridge.square.site
Redmond Real Salt:
Real Salt is salt exactly as nature made it. It contains 60+ naturally occurring trace minerals. This salt is mined from an ancient seabed in Utah where it’s safe from modern pollutants. Redmond Real Salt® is unrefined sea salt that’s additive-free, unprocessed, and full of trace minerals that give it a subtly sweet flavor all its own.
Read more about Redmond Real Salt:
https://redmond.life/pages/mine-to-table
Pure Artesian Wellspring Water:
Enriching our bread-making process is the crystal-clear water, sourced from a pristine location near the Clearwater River. Discovered seven years ago, this abundant flowing water source serves as a vital component, imparting the distinctive purity that defines the character of our bread.
