The Microbiome of Erie, PA Sour Dough Bread Starter Cultures.

Abstract:

Microbial communities are complex dynamic systems that can be influenced by a variety of environmental conditions and other mechanisms. One such community can be found within sourdough starters. Sourdough starters are cultures used in the production of sour dough bread, originating from the local environment, containing primarily yeasts, pollens, and native bacteria. However, these communities may be highly dynamic and influenced by not only the surrounding environment, but the substrate they are grown in (i.e., the dough itself). The purpose of this study is to quantify/identify this microbial community. It is hypothesized that substrate and surrounding community will influence the microbial community found within starters.