Sourdough Bread Maker Finds National Audience

A California bread bakery that began as a restaurant sideline has become so popular, among locals and nonlocals, it is shipping its product around the country. Manresa Bread of Los Gatos makes only sourdough breads that are highly hydrated and highly fermented. They therefore have a longer shelf life and can withstand shipping times. With each shipment the company sends detailed instructions for warming and storing the bread for maximum freshness, along with recipes. The company bakes the loaves, packs them (in plastic bags) and ships four-loaf orders every Tuesday via two-day or faster shipping.