Baking Industry Awards 2024: Sprouted ancient grain sourdough claims Speciality Bread Product of the Year

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Loaves that offer both great looks and taste are championed in this category, which also requires bakers to demonstrate impressive business skills, customer service, and clever marketing.

Winner: Sprouted Ancient Grain Sourdough, Stir Bakery

Described as nutrient dense and high in fibre, the loaf is comprised of 30% sprouted grains – emmer, einkorn, spelt, and rye – which provide a bittersweet and nutty flavour. The loaf uses natural leaven, gentle kneading, and a long slow rise to preserve the strength of its softer wholegrain flours.

This was no easy feat to accomplish – Stir Bakery’s head of bakery operations Sandor Bagameri focused his efforts and exploration on the process of natural fermentation, seeing how far he could push it while still maintaining balanced flavour and texture, ending the process with an aesthetically pleasing loaf.

The main challenge faced by Bagameri in the loaf’s development was finding the right balance of different flours with different levels of protein. To ensure ultimate control, the bakery blends the flours itself which has allowed it the opportunity to fine tune the crust and crumb. Stir Bakery also sprouts the grains for three days before they are gently crushed and added to the dough.

The judges found the “incredible texture and flavour” of this sourdough was elevated even further with the bespoke presentation of its own baked plywood stable and branding on top. “Its appearance has something extra,” commented one judge, while another said the “sourness is spot on” and “all the elements came together so well”, including the taste of seeds inside the bread.

Stir Bakery noted that demand for healthier products was increasing among customers at its five café outlets across Cambridge – a retail estate which is set to grow after it recently smashed its crowdfunding target.

Finalist: Extra Special Apple Raisin & Cinnamon Fruit Loaf, Asda

This 400g loaf is described as bursting with apple pieces, sweet raisins, and currants along with a sprinkling of cinnamon and a ‘sourdough touch’. It is produced via a 30-hour long fermentation process with a single cut on top to showcase the fruit inclusions.

Asda called it a great breakfast treat with ‘standalone wow factor’, while noting its versatility for many occasions. ‘Consumers are always on the lookout for new taste experience and biting into a bit escapism,’ added the retailer.

Judges were drawn to its alluring aroma and praised the “plentiful juicy pieces that were well distributed”.

Rye Berry Sourdough, Lovingly Artisan

This dark rye sourdough miche is created with rye flour from Gilchesters Organics plus the addition of juicy cranberries, a superfood naturally high in antioxidants that support the immune system. It has a rich brown colour and crackled crust, with a deep malty and caramel flavour. Very high dough temperature and precise mixing and timing through each stage of the process are needed.

Cumbria-based Lovingly Artisan, which was also a finalist in the category last year, said its sourdough was gorgeous as morning toast or with a chunk of cheese or smothering of pâté.

The “lovely appearance” was appreciated by the judges, with one saying the “flavour combination with fruit worked so well”.