Introducing Our New Sourdough: Organic Harissa Sourdough

There is something about the beginning of autumn that makes us reach for warming and comforting foods. As the seasons change, we wanted to create a loaf that would represent this shift.

As bakers, this time of the year is particularly exciting. We watch our new flour being harvested and anxiously await the first sacks arriving at the bakery. Those new bags of flour represent the beginning of the next season, and we think this loaf perfectly captures that feeling.

Every Loaf Starts With Flour

Over the last few years, we have been working closely with our farmers to learn more about how our grain is grown and all the ways they are farming to be kinder to our planet.

This journey led us to local farmer John Prior, who grows our wheat less than 10 miles from our bakery. Traditionally bakers simply work with their millers, so it is extra special for us to have this direct relationship with our farmer.

Initially, we introduced our locally grown organic Maris Widgeon flour into just our Organic Wild White Sourdough, and it was lovely to see our customers really engage with the story behind the flour. We're so lucky to have customers who are just as passionate about quality ingredients and farming practices that are kinder to the planet, so we weren't surprised by the response.

Since then, we have been able to add this local flour to our Organic Seeded Sourdough, and now, our Organic Harissa Sourdough.

How We Created the Organic Harissa Sourdough

Back in the spring, we were all sitting around the table discussing our visions for this year's Christmas range. We reminisced about our favourite products from previous years, our current flavour obsessions and what we wanted our range to represent this year.

Each year, we like to develop a 'Christmas Loaf', normally something with a fun and unique flavour. This year was no different, with lots of flavour combinations being thrown around during those initial development conversations.

Enter harissa.

We were drawn to its unique flavour and gentle heat, which infused the loaf with a lovely warmth that felt perfect for the colder months.

We then had the choice of what kind of loaf we wanted to create. Tinned, sliced, sourdough, big, small... we could do whatever we wanted! Ultimately, we landed on adapting our classic Organic Wild White Sourdough. It is a loaf that already has such a loyal following, and we knew it could be adapted to create a delicious loaf with a beautiful texture.

Once we had decided what the loaf was fundamentally going to look like, it was over to our wonderful bakers to play around with the recipe and find the perfect balance of heat and the warming flavours of harissa. During this process, the team was tasting each batch (our favourite job!), and we all became a little obsessed with it. A fresh loaf could barely stay in the office for five minutes without being completely demolished by the team.

Because of this, we decided that we simply couldn't keep this delicious loaf to ourselves. We wanted to launch it now so everyone could enjoy it throughout autumn and into winter.

The Perfect Pairing...

With a loaf as delicious as this one, we love to simply have it fresh out of the oven with a healthy layer of butter, allowing you to fully enjoy the flavour of the loaf in all its glory.

That being said, it is also a great toast option for a savoury brunch. Think toasted sliced topped with zesty smashed avocado, poached eggs and a drizzle of hot sauce.

We originally developed this loaf with the intention of it becoming a staple on a cheeseboard or alongside a hearty seasonal soup... making a statement whatever it's paired with.

We are so proud to have created a loaf that is not only delicious and unique, but that as its heart supports our local food system and helps us bake for a more sustainable future. We can't wait to work on more loaves like this one.