During the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans turned to baking bread as a way to pass the time and ease their anxiety. However, in Alaska, the tradition of sourdough baking has deep cultural roots that predate the pandemic. Locals in Alaska use the term “sourdough” to describe those with experience and longevity, reflecting the bread’s historic presence in Alaskan society. The tradition of sourdough bread in Alaska dates back to the late 19th and 20th centuries when migrants relied on it as a staple food while traveling and working in the state’s harsh conditions.
The cold Alaskan weather presented challenges for proofing sourdough starters, with factors like humidity and temperature impacting the fermentation process. Stories abound of people in Alaska cuddling their sourdough starters to keep them warm or carrying them close to their bodies to prevent them from freezing. Despite these challenges, sourdough baking remains a mark of pride and honor for Alaskans, symbolizing survival and resilience in the face of adversity.
Today, Alaska’s indigenous community has embraced sourdough bread, and local restaurants even use the age of their sourdough starters as a badge of quality. The tradition of sourdough baking in Alaska continues to be a cherished part of the state’s cultural heritage, with residents taking pride in their ability to weather the challenges of the environment while enjoying the fruits of their labor in the form of freshly baked sourdough bread.
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