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New! Locally-Made Artisan Loaves from Staff of Life Bread Company

written by

Meg Peery

posted on

May 8, 2023

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If you've spent any amount of time at the Harrisonburg or Leesburg farmers markets, you have no doubt made the acquaintance of Staff of Life Bread Company. 

Their small-batch, artisanal breads are incomparably delicious, of the highest quality, and are some of the best loaves you will ever taste.

Located in Harrisonburg, Staff of Life is a small, woman-owned microbakery specializing in European-inspired breads and buns with an American twist — including sourdoughs and levains, whole grains, non-GMO & unbromated flours, nuts, seeds, local ingredients, and organic options as available. 

Breads are a two- to three-day process from mixing to baking. Chef and owner Amy Wild explains that the 2-3 days allows for flavor and texture to develop during the bulk fermentation process. 

“We let nature and time do what dough conditioners and flavor additives do for commercial bread,” she says.

For their seeded loaf, Staff of Life's custom seed selection is soaked ahead of the mixing for about 12-18 hours. This helps to maintain the moisture balance in the loaf and ensures a tender, chewy interior as well as delicious fiber and nutrients.

Their sourdough breads, all descended from fermented "Mother doughs," or sours, started many years ago, carry the unique imprint of Staff of Life's nearly 20-year history. 

In addition, the sourdough fermentation process breaks down some of the starches and gluten in the bread, making it easier for the body to digest, reducing the likelihood of blood sugar spikes compared to non-fermented breads, and increasing the bioavailability of certain nutrients.

Staff of Life Bread also nourishes local community by donating unsold products to local food pantries because everyone, says Amy, "deserves high-quality breads.”

Staff of Life breads contain absolutely no preservatives, and freeze very well. We deliver them to you frozen, which locks in the bakery-fresh flavor, texture, quality and nutrition these loaves are known for.

We know you value simplicity and convenience as much as we do — delivering them frozen allows us to keep your loaves bakery-fresh, and allows you to stock up for the month and thaw loaves as needed without compromising quality.

We are so excited to share these wholesome, high-quality loaves with you!

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