Where to Get the Best Sourdough Bread in the Netherlands

Every year, the Echte Bakkers take part in various product competitions to win the title of ‘Best in the Netherlands’. The products are judged by an experienced professional jury, with each member having their own specialty—such as recently during the Easter bread competition (and here’s where to get the tastiest Easter bread).

During the latest Echte Bakkers competition, the contestants competed for the best sourdough bread. Bread may only be called (sour)dough bread if (sour)dough is the sole leavening agent used. Sourdough starter is a mixture created by fermenting flour and water. Bacteria in the mixture multiply and produce gas. This makes the dough rise, allowing you to bake bread with it. (Incidentally, there is no difference between sour bread and sourdough bread; some people simply swallow the first word for a moment).

For that, you need to drive to Sleen in Drenthe. Echte Bakker Herman Schepers won first prize for both his plain and filled sourdough bread. Bas Gommans from Sevenum took second place with his plain sourdough bread and third place in the filled category. The bronze medal in the plain category went to John Treur, the Echte Bakker from Oudewater, who also took a silver medal home for his filled sourdough bread.