FAQ
ARE YOUR BREADS CERTIFIED GLUTEN-FREE?
GFFP gluten-free certification provides standards and best practices recognized by the gluten-free community to help manufacturers address the prevention and control of gluten cross-contamination and help augment existing gluten-free production procedures. Implementation of GFFP gluten-free certification standards increases consumer confidence that manufacturing procedures have been reviewed by a neutral party and demonstrates legitimacy of the manufacturer’s gluten-free processes.
GFFP gluten-free certification further requires that all products certified in the program meet the strictest industry requirement of 5 ppm (parts-per-million) or less, as established by the National Celiac Association. This promotes the highest safety standard, confidence and brand loyalty amongst the celiac community and those who require gluten-free products for other health reasons.
ARE YOUR BREADS NON-GMO?Yes! All of our breads are free from GMO's (genetically modified organisms). We understand the importance of real food with wholesome, clean ingredients and strive to source the best possible natural and organic ingredients for you and your family.
I SEE YOU USE XANTHAN GUM. WHAT IS THE SOURCE?
The xanthan gum we use is derived from non-GMO corn. It is produced from simple sugars using a fermentation process. Products made by fermentation, such as gums, are not composed of the source nutrients (in this case, corn). These are metabolized during fermentation. After the fermentation step, the gums are recovered, purified, dried, milled, and ready for use.
WHAT IS CULTURED DEXTROSE? HOW MUCH IS IN YOUR BREAD?
0.35%, per 1000g of dough, a teeny tiny amount. Cultured dextrose is a natural shelf-life extender produced via a unique controlled fermentation of dextrose(sugar) with Propionibacterium freudenreichii. It is an all-natural off-white powder containing short-chain organic acids and other natural fermentation-derived metabolites that can extend the shelf life and enhance the flavor profile in a variety of applications. Cultured Dextrose has been used to extend shelf life in baked goods, cheeses, meats, salad dressings, condiments, dips, spreads, and more. By preventing the growth of unwanted bacteria, yeasts, and molds, cultured dextrose can replace chemical preservative like sorbate and benzoates for a clean label alternative.
IS CULTURED DEXTROSE NON-GMO AND VEGAN?
The cultured dextrose we use is vegan and GMO-free! Dextrose is typically derived from corn (like our xanthan gum). Products made by fermentation, such as gums, are not composed of the source nutrients (in this case, corn). These are metabolized during fermentation. After the fermentation step, the gums are recovered, purified, dried, milled, and ready for use.
WHAT IS NATURALLY LEAVENED?
Think of naturally leavened as being like sourdough, but not necessarily with the sour taste. Most bread that is sold at grocery stores use the same variety of commercial baker’s yeast that consumers can purchase in the store when baking their own bread at home. However, for most of human history this is not how bread has been made. For eons, bakers would take flour and water (to create what we will call a starter) then they would mix and wait.
After a period, the starter would begin to bubble and emanate a slightly sour smell. This activity was fermentation; the result of the yeast and other microorganisms, found naturally in the grains, that were milled into flour. The bakers would then add more flour, some salt and perhaps other ingredients and bake the dough. The basic concept of natural fermentation has been used for much of human history to prepare everything from bread and beer to yogurt and pickles. This traditional process was used around the world in just about every culture.
Most of our breads at New Cascadia Traditional are also naturally leavened. We believe naturally leavened breads have superior taste, and a depth and character that can only be achieved by using this ancient process. This is especially true of our breads because we use whole grains such as millet, sorghum, brown rice and teff.
ARE ANY OF YOUR BREADS YEAST-FREE?
First, please read our explanation of ‘What is Naturally Leavened’?
HOW SHOULD I STORE & HANDLE MY BREAD?
All of our products are baked fresh and we don't use preservatives of any kind. We make every effort to get you your shipment ASAP. However, we can't control the weather and we can't control where shipping carriers leaves your order (as in out in the sun). We suggest that you immediately freeze everything that you won't consume immediately.
Our products freeze really well. It is helpful to slice hearth breads and bagels before freezing, thaw on counter at room temperature, and toast or warm before eating*.
Here's a handy document document to help you remember how to handle your breads once you receive them. STORAGE & HANDLING
Right here, friend! STUFFING RECIPE
