Sourdough is an excellent model system for studying interactions between microbes
Sourdough is an excellent model system for studying the interactions between microbes.
February 4, 2021
In a study of 500 sourdough starters on four continents, scientists have gained new insights into how environmental factors contribute to each sourdough starter s microbial ecosystem, and how different types of microbes influence both a sourdough s aroma and how quickly the sourdough rises. The results may surprise sourdough enthusiasts. We didn t just look at which microbes were growing in each starter, says Erin McKenney, an applied ecologist at North Carolina State University. We looked at what those microbes are doing and how those microbes coexist with each other.
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Intercontinental Study Sheds Light on Microbial Life of Sourdough
In a study of 500 sourdough starters spanning four continents, scientists have garnered new insights into the environmental factors that contribute to each sourdough starter’s microbial ecosystem, and how different types of microbes influence both a sourdough’s aroma and how quickly the sourdough rises. The results may surprise sourdough enthusiasts.
“We didn’t just look at which microbes were growing in each starter,” says Erin McKenney, co-author of the paper and an assistant professor of applied ecology at North Carolina State University. “We looked at what those microbes are doing, and how those microbes coexist with each other.”
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IMAGE: This image shows sourdough starter in a mason jar. In a recent study of 500 sourdough starters, spanning four continents, scientists garnered new insights into the environmental factors that contribute. view more
Credit: Lauren Nichols
In a study of 500 sourdough starters spanning four continents, scientists have garnered new insights into the environmental factors that contribute to each sourdough starter s microbial ecosystem, and how different types of microbes influence both a sourdough s aroma and how quickly the sourdough rises. The results may surprise sourdough enthusiasts. We didn t just look at which microbes were growing in each starter, says Erin McKenney, co-author of the paper and an assistant professor of applied ecology at North Carolina State University. We looked at what those microbes are doing, and how those microbes coexist with each other.