In the quaint town of Saint-Vith Belgium, lies a remarkable institution that is unique in the world: The Puratos Sourdough Library. This extraordinary library is dedicated to the preservation and study of sourdough starter cultures from around the globe, safeguarding the rich heritage and diversity of one of the oldest forms of bread leavening.
The Mission of the Library
The primary goal of the Puratos Sourdough Library is to protect the biodiversity of sourdough cultures. Each culture in the library is unique, reflecting the local ingredients, climate, and techniques of its region of origin. The library serves as a safe haven for these precious cultures, ensuring that they are not lost to time or changing baking practices.
The Collection: A Global Sourdough Archive
The library boasts an impressive collection of sourdough cultures from various corners of the world. Each culture is carefully cataloged and stored under optimal conditions. The collection includes sourdoughs with unique characteristics, such as the Coppia Ferrarese from Italy, which dates back to 1287 and is known for its signature scroll shape.
Scientific Research and Preservation
Beyond storage, the library is also a center for scientific research. Collaborating with academic institutions, each sourdough culture is analyzed to identify its specific strains of wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria. This research helps to understand the complex microbial ecosystems within sourdough and their impact on flavor, texture, and nutritional value.
Karl De Smedt: The Sourdough Librarian
At the heart of the Puratos Sourdough Library is Karl De Smedt, affectionately known as the Sourdough Librarian. De Smedt has traveled the world in search of unique sourdough cultures and traditional bread-making techniques. His dedication and passion for sourdough have been instrumental in building the library’s collection and raising awareness about the importance of preserving sourdough history.
The Quest for Sourdough: A Global Initiative
The Puratos Sourdough Library is part of a larger initiative called “The Quest for Sourdough.” This project aims to document and celebrate the diversity of sourdough cultures worldwide. Bakers and enthusiasts are encouraged to register their own sourdough cultures on the Quest for Sourdough website, contributing to the growing database and fostering a global community of sourdough aficionados.
Virtual Access and Education
The Puratos Sourdough Library offers virtual tours, allowing people from all over the world to explore the collection and learn about the fascinating world of sourdough. The library’s commitment to education extends to providing resources and information about the history, science, and art of sourdough baking.
Closing Thoughts
The Puratos Sourdough Library in St. Vith, Belgium, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of sourdough baking. With Karl De Smedt at the helm, the library preserves the diverse cultures of sourdough, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this ancient art form. The library’s efforts in research, education, and global collaboration highlight the importance of sourdough as a cultural and gastronomic treasure.
citations for article
Smithsonian Magazine
Atlas Obscura
Puratos Canada
New York Times
The Sourdough Podcast
