In the past woman relied on starters (natural yeast obtained from the previous batch by following a precise process with attention and care) for making bread.
In southern Italy until a few decades ago people often went to neighbors, relatives and friends to borrow a piece of “pasta madre” (literally “mother dough”), bringing baked goods or other gifts to give in exchange.
This was so common that popular wisdom included the saying: Il levato cammina sempre. (the yeast is always on the move). A tangible manifestation of social bonds, the bread making process and associated domestic rituals powered a cycle of interaction and human relationships that have now been forgotten, rendering the aforementioned saying highly symbolic and evocative.
Linked to the process of transition and change and traditionally part of the female domain pasta madre still has a lot to teach us.
Enjoy and share the story while eating together with your kids.
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