Head to Orange County, California, for the best sourdough in the universe. And it’s purple

Key Takeaways:

• The loaf’s purple tint comes from heirloom blue corn masa.
• Crafted by baker Karlo Evaristo in Orange County, California.
• It was once a major social media sensation.
• Writer Jenn Harris discovered it five years after it went viral.
• The bread is still celebrated for its striking appearance and unique flavor.

The Purple Sourdough Surprise

“Head to Orange County, California, for the best sourdough in the universe. And it’s purple.” This compelling invitation first sparked curiosity a few years ago when images of violet-hued loaves flooded social media feeds across the country. While some diners jumped on the trend early, others only discovered its wonders years later.

Meet the Baker

Baker Karlo Evaristo is the creative force behind these vibrant loaves. Using traditional baking techniques merged with a bold ingredient choice, he struck a chord with food lovers. His distinct spin on sourdough involves a setting where heritage, experimentation, and classic bread-making converge.

The Power of Heirloom Blue Corn Masa

The key to the bread’s unusual color and subtle flavor lies in heirloom blue corn masa. Known for its role in tortillas and other Latin American staples, masa gives these loaves their signature purple tinge. Blending it into sourdough dough yields a product that looks as remarkable as it tastes.

The Viral Craze

A few years ago, social media buzzed with photos and posts proclaiming the bread’s surprising color to be a must-try culinary oddity. Images of fresh-out-of-the-oven purple loaves convinced many that this wasn’t your ordinary slice of toast—it was a bread worth seeking out.

Catching Up Five Years Later

Jenn Harris, a writer for the Los Angeles Times (TNS), admitted to missing the craze when it first captured the internet’s attention. Five years on, she tried Evaristo’s bread and more than understood what the hype was all about. Though late to the game, her experience suggested that a good loaf of sourdough, purple or otherwise, never truly goes out of style.

Why Orange County?

Orange County, known for diverse dining scenes and eclectic tastes, remains a fitting home for this unconventional sourdough. The region’s openness to cultural fusion and culinary innovation makes it the perfect backdrop for a loaf that proudly defies expectation—cementing its reputation as a lasting food trend with a story all its own.