15. Sourdough Bread
Sourdough’s popularity soared during the California Gold Rush, when miners relied on ‘starter’ as a staple. French bakers introduced sourdough techniques to Northern California during this period, and the bread remains a part of San Francisco’s culture, with some bakeries tracing their starters back to 1849. San Francisco’s unique fog and local strain of Lactobacillus sanfranciscensis even gave the bread its signature tang. (thenibble.com) This enduring tradition symbolizes resilience and ingenuity.
