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Kaslo bakery gets government help to explore pasta benefits

Up to $75,000 from federal-provincial program
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A plate of pasta from Sourdough Bakery. Photo submitted

A Kaslo bakery is receiving a financial boost from a cost-shared federal-provincial program exploring the potential health benefits of sourdough fermented pasta.

Kaslo Sourdough, a family-owned bakery that uses ancient sourdough fermentation technology to create pasta, is one of 11 organizations receiving funding to support innovative products in British Columbia’s agriculture and processed food and beverage sectors.

The operation, which has been baking sourdough bread in the Kootenay region since 1993, will study the health benefits of its novel sourdough fermented pasta - named Pasta Fermentata - including research to determine if it encourages lower blood-glucose responses, influences insulin levels, and benefits the gut microbiome (microorganisms in a particular environment).

“The Government of Canada is committed to investing in new and innovative agriculture and agri-food products,” said Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “This will help Canadian producers grow their businesses and stay competitive, creating good, well-paying jobs for Canadians.”

The company reports its fermented pastas have unique characteristics not found in conventional wheat pastas, such as improved digestibility and nutrient absorption, superior flavour and a faster cooking time. It offers 12 different flour combinations and six different shapes of its vegan and allergen-friendly pasta, providing a variety of options for their innovative product.

Kaslo Sourdough is receiving up to $75,000 in funding through the cost-shared Canada-B.C. Agri-Innovation Program under Growing Forward 2, to explore the potential health benefits of sourdough fermented pasta.

The Canada-B.C. Agri-Innovation Program provided $12.7 million for 152 projects to support the commercialization and adoption of innovation projects under Growing Forward 2, a five-year (2013-2018), $3-billion, federal-provincial-territorial government investment in innovation, competitiveness and market development.