One hundred percent sourdough rye bread is a staple in and central to Latvian culture, identity, and culinary practice. For over a thousand years Latvians have been baking this bread—using rye flour, rye sourdough starter, a hint of caraway, and little else—in 900°f wood-burning ovens.

On long voyages, Baltic sailors fill the holds of their ships with this bread because it naturally stays good for months. Like rice in many Asian countries, rye bread ( known as rupjmaize in Latvian) is considered holy. It is never wasted. To leave it bottom side up on the counter is considered disrespectful...but if you forget, that's okay, because our bread won't stale quickly. And if it does, you are blessed with the foundation for the classic Baltic beer snack: fried rye bread croutons tossed in garlic butter. (It also makes excellent bread pudding.)

In Scandinavia, especailly Denmark and Sweden, rye bread forms the foundation of their excellent open-faced sandwiches. Unlike many of its Scandinavian, German, and Russian cousins, our Latvian rye bread is absolutely wheat-free and is considered the ne plus ultra of rye breads.

Ingredients: Rye flour, rye sourdough, rye malt, caraway seeds, salt, a pinch of yeast, and a touch of sugar (to promote a controlled secondary proof). Each 1/4-inch slice (50 grams) of Black Rooster Baltic Rye provides:

• 3 grams of protein
• 4g of fiber (16% RDA)
• 27g of carbohydrate (9% RDA)
• 170mg of sodium (7% RDA)
• 140 calorie

Nutritional studies in Scandinavia revealed that breads made with 100% rye contain more fiber, vitamin E, riboflavin, folacin, and disease fighting antioxidants than wheat based breads. Furthermore, rye bread is much lower on the glycemic index than other conventional grains. Rye bread is also recognized as having anticarcinogenic qualities that are particularly well-suited to reducing the risk of prostrate, breast, and colon cancers.

All of our bread is certified Circle-K kosher. Our Baltic Rye and Baltic Blonde are vegan; the Baltic Fruits and Nuts contains honey and is otherwise vegan.

For decades bread lovers hungering for 100% healthful sourdough rye have had to freight it from Europe at high cost. Now, thanks to Black Rooster Food, you can buy a loaf handmade in America.

Have questions about Black Rooster Food and our rye bread? Want to recommend your favorite local retailer to us? Send us an email:

johnmelngailis@blackroosterfood.com

averyr@blackroosterfood.com

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