Vitus | Sourdough 101
Vitus is no ordinary sourdough starter. Preserved at the Sourdough Library in St. Vith, Belgium, Vitus is a living symbol of resilience, creativity, and the magic of fermentation. With a rich backstory, a unique flavor profile, and even a painting dedicated to it, Vitus is the perfect introduction to the world of natural sourdough.
Interesting Insights about Vitus
What to do with Vitus
Below you'll find everything you need to care for and use your Vitus sourdough starter:
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Feeding Vitus
Step-by-step instructions to keep your starter healthy and active.
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Baking with Vitus
Tips and techniques for incorporating Vitus into your favorite recipes.
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Understanding the Hooch
What it is, why it appears, and how to handle it.
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Starting Your Own Starter
A simple guide to creating your own sourdough culture from scratch.
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How to make a sourdough starter
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Get Inspired by Other Recipes
Sourdough isn’t just for bread — it’s a versatile ingredient that can elevate almost any baked product. From pizza and focaccia to sweet rolls, crackers, and even desserts, Vitus can be your base for endless creativity.
The Story of Vitus
The journey of Vitus began in 2017, when German journalist
and sourdough enthusiast Martina Goernemann brought her struggling starter to the Sourdough Library. With the help of Karl De Smedt, the
Sourdough Librarian, she revived it — and named it Vitus.
Martina then traveled with Vitus across Europe and the US, chronicling the experience in her book Sourdough: Four Days to Happiness.
Along the way, Vitus was fed with beer, spelt flour, honey, and maple syrup — evolving into a truly unique culture.In
Nobleboro, Maine, artist John Whalley was so inspired by Vitus that he painted it in a piece titled “Bread of Life” — likely the first and only painting in history dedicated to a sourdough starter. The artwork features Vitus surrounded by bread, an old Bible, and a wooden barrel, painted using the traditional Flemish egg tempera technique.
Today, Vitus is owned by Puratos and lives on as the Friendship Sourdough — used to teach people how to bake and connect through fermentation. It’s a sourdough that doesn’t just rise — it inspires
WIN WIN WIN
Vitus: Four Days to Happiness
Share your sourdough story and get a chance to win!
We’re giving away 10 copies of Vitus: Four Days to Happiness — a beautiful book that captures the magic of sourdough and the journey to happiness through baking.
To enter:
🥖 Click the link below
📸 Share a photo of your bread or baked goods made with sourdough
💌 Tell us a bit about your baking experience in the notes
🏆 We’ll select 10 winners to receive a free copy!
