The Nonna Bella Story

A 200-Year-Old Tuscan Sourdough Legacy

In the rolling hills of Ponte Buggianese, Tuscany, in 1825, a young Italian baker named Isabella—affectionately called Nonna Bella by her family—created a sourdough starter that would become a cherished heirloom for generations. Using the simple ingredients of flour, water, and the wild yeasts of her Tuscan village, Nonna Bella crafted a living culture that brought her family together around the table, filling their home with the aroma of freshly baked bread. Little did she know, her starter would endure for over 200 years, carrying the flavors of Tuscany through time.

For nearly a century, Nonna Bella’s starter was nurtured by her descendants in the same stone-walled kitchen where it was born. Each generation added their own love and care, using it to bake rustic loaves, ciabatta, and focaccia that became the heart of family gatherings. The starter wasn’t just a tool for baking—it was a symbol of tradition, resilience, and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. Through wars, celebrations, and the changing seasons of Tuscany, Nonna Bella’s sourdough remained a constant, its tangy, robust flavor a testament to its heritage.

In 1914, Nonna Bella’s great-granddaughter, Maria, made the courageous decision to leave Italy for a new life in America. Tucked into her luggage, alongside a faded ship manifest, was a small jar of the family’s precious starter. Maria carried Nonna Bella across the Atlantic, determined to preserve her family’s legacy in a new land. She settled in the USA, where the starter continued to thrive, bringing the taste of Tuscany to her new home. Over the decades, Nonna Bella became a bridge between the old world and the new, connecting generations of bakers through the simple act of breaking bread.

Today, Nonna Bella is more than a sourdough starter—it’s a living piece of history, a 200-year-old tradition that we’re proud to share with you. From our family to yours, we’ve nurtured Nonna Bella with the same care and love that Isabella did in 1825. Her tangy, Tuscan flavor is perfect for crafting artisan loaves, pizza dough, or any recipe that calls for the magic of sourdough. We believe that baking with Nonna Bella isn’t just about making bread—it’s about creating memories, fostering community, and celebrating the timeless art of Italian baking.

Join us on this journey. Bake with Nonna Bella, explore our authentic Sourdough recipes, and become part of our baking community. Let’s keep Nonna Bella’s legacy alive, one loaf at a time. Shop Nonna Bella Italian Dehydrated Starter now and start your own sourdough story.