As a proud US Army Veteran and owner of this outstanding Arizona Cottage Bakery, we believe in supporting our local community through sustainable practices and purchasing our supplies and ingredients locally. We prioritize using locally sourced and organic ingredients in all of our products. We love to bake and take pleasure in sharing our delicious creations with everyone that enjoys Tasty Goodies. Explore our selection of delicious, homemade baked goods made with patience, love and care.
“Pogie bait” (or pogey bait) is U.S. military slang for snacks, candy, and non-issued comfort foods, often used for personal consumption, morale boosting, or bartering in the field. It’s historically associated with goods used by rear-echelon troops (pogues).
Key Aspects of Pogie/Pogey Bait:
Origin: The term dates back to at least 1915–1920, originating in the U.S. Navy and Army.
Definition: It refers to treats not generally available to soldiers in the field, sometimes implying luxuries.Usage: It is used as a bribe, barter, or comfort item, often to exchange for favors or services.
Why Sourdough?
1. What is sourdough?
Sourdough is a naturally leavened bread made with a live, fermented culture of flour and water (called a “starter”) instead of commercial yeast (those little packets of dry processed powder). This fermentation process gives sourdough its distinct flavor, chewy texture, and incredible nutritional benefits. It’s bread as it was meant to be: simple, wholesome, and delicious!
Sourdough bread is great because its natural fermentation makes it easier to digest, lowers its glycemic index for better blood sugar control, increases nutrient availability by reducing phytates, and adds probiotics, all while offering a tangy flavor and natural preservative qualities without artificial additives. The process breaks down gluten, helps gut health with prebiotic fiber, and provides antioxidants, making it a more nutritious choice than standard bread.
Digestion & Gut Health
- Easier to Digest: Fermentation breaks down starches and gluten, making it gentler on the stomach, even for some with sensitivities (but not celiac disease).
- Probiotic & Prebiotic: Contains beneficial bacteria (like Lactobacillus) and fiber that feeds good gut bacteria, improving gut health.
Nutrient Absorption & Blood Sugar
- Nutrient-Rich: Fermentation reduces phytic acid, allowing your body to better absorb minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium.
- Lower Glycemic Index (GI): Slow fermentation impacts blood sugar more gradually, preventing spikes and keeping you feeling fuller longer.
Other Benefits
- Natural Preservation: Acetic acid, a byproduct of fermentation, naturally inhibits mold, so sourdough stays fresh without preservatives.
- Antioxidants: Contains peptides and antioxidants that may help reduce risks of chronic diseases and aging.
- Fewer Additives: Often made with just flour, water, and salt, avoiding commercial additives found in many store-bought breads.
Important Note
- Check the Label: True Sourdough benefits come from long fermentation; many commercial “sourdough” breads use commercial yeast and lack these advantages, so read labels
2. Can I make sourdough bread at home?
Absolutely! At Pogie Bait Bakery, we sell our signature sourdough starter along with easy-to-follow instructions to help you bake your own loaves at home. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, our starter will give you a head start on crafting your own sourdough creations.
Starter Packet: $15 (includes care instructions)
3. Why does sourdough taste slightly sour?
Sourdough’s characteristic tang comes from the natural fermentation process. The live bacteria in the starter produce lactic acid, which gives it that slightly sour flavor. The level of sourness can vary depending on how the bread is made—our loaves strike a balance with a mild tang that enhances the flavor without being overwhelming.
4. What are the benefits of eating sourdough?
- Easier to Digest: The fermentation process breaks down gluten and other compounds, making sourdough gentler on your stomach. Before giving up bread try switching to sourdough and fermented breads.
- Rich in Nutrients: Our loaves retain the full vitamins and minerals from seeds and grains.
- No Preservatives: Sourdough is naturally preserved thanks to its acidity. A basic loaf is only 3 ingredients, no extra chemicals, coloring or artificial flavor; just flour, water and a pinch of Celtic salt with minerals.
- Longer Shelf Life: Sourdough stays fresh longer than regular bread without additives.
5. How should I store sourdough bread?
To keep your bread fresh:
- Store it at room temperature in a breathable bag (like a paper or cloth bag). A beeswax bread bag works great.
- Avoid storing sourdough in plastic—it traps moisture and makes the crust soggy.
- If you want to store it longer, freeze it! Slice the bread then separate the slices with wax paper. Wrap it tightly in foil or a freezer-safe bag, and thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
- Exception to the the above is if you have loaves with cheese, cream or fruit, etc. inclusions. These you will want to store in the fridge or freezer, sliced and separated with wax paper. If you want to store them longer than a few days we recommend putting them in the freezer. Then leave them in the fridge or on counter to defrost.
- To refreshen your loaf , you can rinse it off in the sink, getting the loaf damp. Then place it in the oven on the rack for 10 min at 350 degrees. This will give you a crunchy crust and soft inside.
6. Do your prices include delivery?
Delivery is not included in the base price. We offer delivery for an additional fee, based on the delivery location. Alternatively, you can always opt for pickup
7. What if I’ve never tried sourdough before?
Sourdough bread has a unique, rich flavor and a delightful chewiness that may be new to some people. The slightly sour taste comes from the natural fermentation process, but don’t worry—our recipes are crafted to be balanced and enjoyable for first-timers and long-time fans alike. We recommend starting with our Classic Signature Sourdough for a mild, approachable flavor.
8. Can I customize my sourdough order?
Yes! We love getting creative with our loaves. Contact us to discuss special orders or flavors you’d like to try.
9. Do you deliver outside the local area?
Yes, we can deliver outside our standard area for an additional fee. Please contact us to discuss your specific location and delivery options.
10. Can I use your sourdough for my events, like a bruschetta or charcuterie party?
Absolutely! We’d love to help make your event memorable. You can place a special order to suit your needs—whether it’s for a classic artisan sourdough loaf or our signature varieties like Whole Rye, Jalapeño Cheddar or Garlic & Mozarrella Infused Loaf. Our breads are perfect for bruschetta, charcuterie boards, or any gathering where delicious, wholesome bread is the centerpiece.
Contact us in advance to discuss your order, and we’ll work with you to ensure everything is just right for your event!