British bakers seeking to recreate the unique taste and texture of French bread have a treat in store for them. Sourdough used by “boulangeries”, “patisseries” and in-store bakeries all over France are now available through Edme here in Britain.
Edme will also soon offer artisan sourdough concentrates and pre-mixes made with only the best ingredients.
A new partnership deal has seen food ingredient producer Edme, already well known for its malted ingredients, become exclusive UK agents for Philibert Savours of France.
“For the most part, we do our own processing,” says James Smith, sales director at Edme, “but when it came to sourdough, we wanted a specialist in the field. Philibert are the masters of French flavour and process. Their sourdough products are so well respected that the opportunity to share them with our customers was too good to miss.”
Plant and craft bakers will now be able to produce French artisan style breads quickly, easily and cost effectively without the need to nurture live cultures themselves.
“Philibert has already done the job for you,” says James. “It takes natural sourdough cultures and simply dries them at source to provide wholesome, stable, easy-to-use sourdough powders.
“These natural ferments really enhance flavour, aroma and texture - and enable you to create artisan style breads on any scale, without having to wait for cultures to mature. You simply add 3 -8% powder to your bread mix. Results are consistent and high quality,” says James. “They capture the taste, texture and colour of the best sourdough breads on the market. And you can be assured they are the real McCoy because French artisan bakers use them.”
The base flours are milled from genuine French wheat, “to help with the creation of those authentic French flavours, crusts and textures.”
The sourdough concentrates and mixes can be used across a range of products - from French sticks and artisan country boules to distinctive sandwich breads.
“All our mixes and concentrates are easy to use,” says James, “but in any case, our technical experts are always on hand to answer any questions.”
