[Timothy Gilmore]

I read the Pilgrims brought sourdough starters with them. Was any saved, or continued?

[tickle]

Given that the time was the l600s Timothy, I doubt if we could answer that question satisfactorily without having archives from New England. I found no mention on the net regarding Pilgrims and their sourdough starter. It is quite possible though seeing as families for generations kept a starter kit going indefinitely. Flour sugar and water is all you need really; then it is called the 'mother culture' because every batch comes from that one kit.

Thanks for that question, interesting topic. What made you ask? Is this a school project?

Tick

[Timothy Gilmore]

Thank you for your answer. It was mentioned in a book on sourdough cultures around the world, <www.sourdo.com>. I know Northern China used wheat in baking, and wonder if they might have developed such skills.

[tickle]

Hi tim, noticed you back again ! Well, egyptians baked bread and would have had starter that would have been around l500bc. Seeing as the trading caravans were pretty well established it could be that China could have caught on to starters as well, but being that chinese food is a favourite of mine and in Toronto there are very many varieties, I have never seen bread on any menus in chinese restaurants. Rice being their main staple and not wheat, I can understand why.

Tick