Greece - Kosmas Sourdough

"With the intention of studying the biodiversity of Italian sourdough, a Greek colleague shared an interesting process used in Greece. They use water that has been inoculated with microorganisms from basil leaves to make sourdough. It's a tradition still practiced by Vassillia, the mother of Kosmas. We were fortunate to be invited to Amfilochia to observe this process firsthand. There, we also learned about the historical significance of basil, such as its role in the celebration of Saint Helena, the Mother of Emperor Constantine the Great in 326 AD. Basil was intertwined with the discovery of the cross of Jesus Christ. During the celebration, basil plays a crucial role in the entire ceremony. This experience was featured in the second Quest for Sourdough movie we created in 2014. The warmth of hospitality, the delicious food, and the genuine friendships formed the essence of this experience. These aspects made the quest unforgettable and distinct for me, sometimes even more so than the tales behind the sourdough itself. I invite you to enjoy watching my "Quest for Sourdough" in Amfilochia."