Lineage 07 – New York (210+ Years)
Dehydrated Sourdough Starter
$19.00 AUD
Born in the heart of New York’s early Italian-American baking culture, this sourdough carries the character of over two centuries of tradition shaped in the bakeries of Little Italy.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Italian immigrants brought their fermentation knowledge to New York City, adapting Old World breadmaking to new environments, ingredients, and the fast-moving rhythm of urban life. In the densely packed bakeries of Little Italy, sourdough cultures were maintained daily, producing breads that became known for their bold tang, strong structure, and unmistakable depth of flavour.
Over generations, these cultures evolved alongside the neighbourhood itself — shaped by coal-fired ovens, shared bakery practices, and the blending of Italian tradition with American baking culture. What emerged was a distinctive sourdough style: robust, expressive, and deeply tied to the immigrant baking story of New York City.
Little Italy Heritage Starter continues that lineage today — a reflection of both resilience and craft in one of the world’s most iconic food cities.
A bold, expressive sourdough with a well-developed crust and a soft, slightly chewy crumb. The flavour opens with a clear, upfront tang that is bright but controlled, followed by a rounded wheat sweetness and subtle fermented depth. There are gentle savoury undertones that build as it develops on the palate, giving structure and warmth without heaviness. The finish is clean, lightly acidic, and lingering, with a balanced intensity that reflects classic New York-style sourdough character.
Each culture is preserved through a careful process designed to honour its original character while ensuring it remains in a state of exceptional vitality. Rather than altering its natural profile, we maintain it within a tightly controlled balance of hydration, temperature, and refresh cycles — a “Goldilocks” zone that protects its historical integrity while keeping the microorganisms active and resilient.
The result is a living culture that carries its original depth and complexity, yet is primed for immediate revival. When reactivated, it awakens predictably, delivering a highly active fermentation that reflects both its heritage and the precision of its care.
We stand behind the vitality of our sourdough starter cultures. If your starter fails to activate following the included instructions, we’ll replace it at no cost.
To qualify, simply follow the activation guide provided and contact us within 4 weeks of purchase with a brief description of your process. We may request a few details to help troubleshoot before issuing a replacement, so we can ensure everything is set up for success next time.
Our goal is simple: to get you baking with a healthy, active starter as quickly as possible.
You can read more from our Activation Guarantee policy.
All orders are dispatched from our Melbourne warehouse within 1-2 business days.
All starter orders include free untracked letter delivery in secure padded packaging. For added peace of mind, tracked Australia Post delivery is available for a small additional fee.
Tracked shipping is free on all orders over $100 AUD.
More information available on our Shipping Policy.
