Manna Organics – Sprouted, Yeast-free Breads

I often think that people take bread for granted. It’s so basic to the American diet that we can scarcely conceive the idea of a day without it — when we bother to think about it at all. That last point bothers me a good deal, because there are very fine breads being made in the U.S., some a far cry from what most of us usually consume. In particular, I’m referring to the breads produced by Manna Organics.

Yes, these breads are certified organic, but there’s much more to them than that. All are made from 100% sprouted whole grain, without yeast or other leavening. Sprouted foods are “alive” and contain higher quantities of vital nutrients, they are also far easier for us to digest. These breads are all high-fiber, contain no added sweeteners, no salt, no fats, and no flour, and they also have a low glycemic index (important to those on certain types of diets).

Manna Fig Fennel Flax bread. Ingredients: Sprouted organic wheat kernels, filtered water, organic black mission figs (diced figs, organic out flour), organic flax seeds, organic fennel seeds, organic poppy seeds, organic pumpkin seeds, organic sunflower seeds, Organic Sesame seeds. Photo via Lucky Taste Buds!

What’s this, you ask? How can bread be made without flour or salt or leavening? Well, these aren’t “breads” in the typical sense of the word; the loaves are moister and more cake-like, except for the Bavarian-style Sourdoughs. But an equally great contrast can be found in the ingredient lists on these products and the ingredient lists of typical breads you pick up in the supermarket. Manna Organics understands that bread doesn’t need ingredients like high fructose corn syrup or diglycerides or dough conditioner; their breads have lists of ingredients that are refreshingly brief. For instance, take my favorite variety, the Cinnamon Date. The ingredients are sprouted organic wheat kernels, filtered water, organic dates, organic cinnamon, and organic oatmeal. That’s it. The same holds true for the other varieties. Just a few good-quality ingredients become powerful in the hands of people who know what to do with them.

Manna Organics Cinnamon Date & Sunseed Bread. Photo via Real Healthy Recipes.

If you’re wondering whether these breads taste like cardboard without added salt or sweeteners, it’s a legitimate concern. So many products that are “healthy” fall short in the taste category. But I’m pleased to tell you that such is not the case with the breads from Manna Organics. That Cinnamon Date to which I’m so partial is very moist and slightly sweet. It’s delicious all by itself, or heated and spread with a bit of cream cheese. (If you’re trying to get your kids to eat these breads, I’d start with the Cinnamon Date or the Carrot Raisin.) And the Whole Rye — well, all I can say is that if you enjoy a real rye taste, you’ve got to try this loaf. Enjoy it with some hearty cheese and ham, or perhaps a little pickled herring with dill, or go the purist route; just heat it and spread it with a little butter. Wonderful! Unlike the other loaves here, the Sourdough Breads are pre-sliced squares, so they’re more appropriate for sandwiches. The dough takes almost three days to develop its full flavor; how many bakeries do you know who would take all that time to let the dough ripen?

Manna Organics Bavarian-style Sourdough Breads. Photo via Have Cake, Will Travel.

Because Manna Organics breads don’t have preservatives or dough conditioners, their shelf-life at room temperature is about 5 days, but they’ll last for longer in the fridge and much longer in the freezer. My local natural foods store carries a few varieties, but if you cannot find these products in your area, you can order them online (they ship only to the continental United States). Feeling guilty about eating bread will soon seem like a distant memory.

The full range of Manna Organics’ Breads. Photo via Shanna Like Banana.

Top photo by greenlagirl, Creative Commons.