Ralph Nieboer’s Sourdough Story

Sourdough Story

What started as a simple holiday in France turned into a life-changing journey for Ralph Nieboer—now a proud sourdough ambassador and creative force in the artisan bread world.

A Journey That Began with a Bite

“If you had told me years ago that I’d be doing what I do today, I would’ve laughed—loudly,” says Ralph Nieboer. But life has a way of surprising us, especially when passion meets purpose.

Ralph’s sourdough journey began during a holiday in France, a time of personal transition as he adjusted to single parenthood with the support of his family. It was there, surrounded by the rustic charm of French boulangeries, that he took his first bite of traditional French bread—and everything changed.

“I loved it so much, I ate nothing but bread for a week,” Ralph recalls. “When I got home, I knew I could never go back to bread without sourdough.”

From Ready Mixes to Real Passion

Back home, Ralph began experimenting with bread mixes, but something was missing. He dove into online research, joined baking communities, and practiced relentlessly. His skills grew, and so did his curiosity.

Joining the Artisan Bread Bakers group in the Netherlands was a turning point. There, he encountered a stunning lattice-topped loaf by Australian master baker Chef Leon Bailey. Inspired, Ralph created his own version using dead dough (a dough without yeast), enhanced with vinegar and roasted malt powder.

The response? Overwhelmingly positive.

“I was swamped with messages and questions. It pushed me to keep experimenting.”

Ralph’s creativity didn’t stop there. He went on to design a checkerboard loaf, which quickly gained attention across the artisan baking community. His inbox flooded with feedback, and his reputation as a bread artist began to rise.

Meeting a Master: Josep Pascual

While exploring the world of sourdough online, Ralph discovered the work of Josep Pascual, a renowned master baker known for his artistic loaves. Inspired, Ralph reached out—and when Josep mentioned he’d teach in the Netherlands if invited, Ralph made it happen.

“It was my first time organizing something like this. I was nervous, but it worked out beautifully.”

That masterclass marked another milestone. Ralph began teaching his own courses, sharing his techniques and continuing to learn from others.

Six years later, Ralph is a proud sourdough ambassador for the Quest for Sourdough and a self-proclaimed #sourdoughhooligan. His story is a testament to how passion, community, and creativity can reshape a life.

“I smile every day. I can’t believe how beautiful life has become.”

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