The Ciabatta.co.za journal: formula, technique, bread science, and the history of the work.https://ciabatta.co.za/en-ZAhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/is-ciabatta-healthy-the-honest-answer-most-articles-miss/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/is-ciabatta-healthy-the-honest-answer-most-articles-miss/Ciabatta is a bread style, not a nutrition category. Assess its ingredients, serving, and measured evidence before making a health claim.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthgut-healthfermentationciabatta-healthJohn the Bakerhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/ciabatta-vs-sourdough-the-fructan-story-your-gut-wants-to-hear-copy/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/ciabatta-vs-sourdough-the-fructan-story-your-gut-wants-to-hear-copy/Compare yeast-poolish ciabatta and sourdough by culture, formula, fermentation, and handling.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTCiabatta-vs.-Sourdoughgut-healthfermentationciabatta-vs-sourdoughdigestibilityslow-breadopen-crumbbiga-vs-starterartisan-bread-comparisonJohn the Bakerhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/ciabatta-vs-sourdough-the-fructan-story-your-gut-wants-to-hear/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/ciabatta-vs-sourdough-the-fructan-story-your-gut-wants-to-hear/Why fermentation labels alone cannot predict fructan levels in a particular ciabatta or sourdough.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthartisan-breadgut-healthFODMAPsFermentationciabatta-vs-sourdoughdigestibilityslow-breadgluten-sensitivitybread-scienceJohn the Bakerhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/why-ciabatta-feels-lighter-a-baker-s-guide-to-fructans-fermentation-and-digestibility/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/why-ciabatta-feels-lighter-a-baker-s-guide-to-fructans-fermentation-and-digestibility/A light dough feel is a handling observation, not a measurement of fructans or digestion.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthGlutenDigestibilityFructansArtisan-BreadFODMAPsMicrobial-MemorySlow-BreadFermentationJohn the Bakerhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-whispered-archive-why-your-gut-speaks-fructans-not-gluten/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-whispered-archive-why-your-gut-speaks-fructans-not-gluten/Fructans and gluten are different components of wheat; symptoms alone do not distinguish them.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthGlutenDigestibilityFructansJohn the Bakerhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-ciabatta-paradox-versatility-vs.-technical-demand/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-ciabatta-paradox-versatility-vs.-technical-demand/Ciabatta’s versatility depends on a technically demanding dough and a process the baker can read.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthCiabattaGlutenDigestibilityFructansSourdoughArtisan-BreadJohn the Bakerhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-gut-friendly-guide-to-ciabatta-beyond-understanding-fructans-gluten-and-your-digestive-health/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-gut-friendly-guide-to-ciabatta-beyond-understanding-fructans-gluten-and-your-digestive-health/A precise guide to fructans and gluten in wheat bread, with clinical claims kept within the evidence.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthCiabattaGlutenDigestibilityFructansSourdoughArtisan-BreadJohn the Bakerhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/time-in-a-loaf-a-meditation-on-bread-patience-and-the-art-of-waiting/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/time-in-a-loaf-a-meditation-on-bread-patience-and-the-art-of-waiting/The stages of a ciabatta bake set different intervals for fermentation, handling, observation, and proof.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthDigestibilityJohn the Bakerhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/digestive-secret-revealed-why-this-artisan-bread-could-transform-your-gut-health/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/digestive-secret-revealed-why-this-artisan-bread-could-transform-your-gut-health/What bread composition studies can show about fermentation—and why they cannot promise an individual digestive response.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthDigestibilityJohn the Bakerhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/fructan-vs.-gluten-the-real-reason-ciabatta-bread-may-not-trigger-your-wheat-sensitivity/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/fructan-vs.-gluten-the-real-reason-ciabatta-bread-may-not-trigger-your-wheat-sensitivity/Fructans and gluten are distinct wheat components; neither label identifies the cause of an individual symptom.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthDigestibilityJohn the Bakerhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-ciabatta-paradox-why-this-gluten-bread-might-be-easier-on-your-stomach/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-ciabatta-paradox-why-this-gluten-bread-might-be-easier-on-your-stomach/Separate wheat gluten, bread composition, and digestive outcomes before making a claim about ciabatta.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthDigestibilityJohn the Bakerhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/unlocking-ciabatta-secrets-how-the-holes-are-formed-with-hydration-and-folding-techniques/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/unlocking-ciabatta-secrets-how-the-holes-are-formed-with-hydration-and-folding-techniques/Hydration and folds influence dough behaviour; flour, fermentation, strength, and proof also shape crumb.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTTechniqueCiabattaTechniqueJohn the Bakerhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/why-homemade-ciabatta-is-the-ultimate-snack-bread-and-better-than-sourdough-for-toasted-treats/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/why-homemade-ciabatta-is-the-ultimate-snack-bread-and-better-than-sourdough-for-toasted-treats/A comparison of homemade ciabatta and sourdough by method, texture, and use at the table.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTToastedCiabattaTreatsJohn the Bakerhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/how-to-make-perfect-ciabatta-bread-easy-method-folding-technique-health-benefits/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/how-to-make-perfect-ciabatta-bread-easy-method-folding-technique-health-benefits/Follow the published yeast-poolish formula through bulk fermentation, three folds, division, proof, and bake.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTCiabatta-RecipeCiabattaTechniqueGuideJohn the Bakerhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/5-secrets-to-artisan-ciabatta-perfection-at-home/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/5-secrets-to-artisan-ciabatta-perfection-at-home/Five technical decisions shape a home ciabatta: flour, water, fermentation, dough strength, and handling.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTCiabatta-RecipeCiabattaTechniquehealthy-breadGuideJohn-Johnhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/ciabatta-bread-health-benefits-artisan-techniques-and-nutritional-science/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/ciabatta-bread-health-benefits-artisan-techniques-and-nutritional-science/Ciabatta ingredients and baking technique explained without treating a bread style as a health claim.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthglutenfructansCiabattaTechniquegut-healthhydrationfermentationhealthy-breadJohn-Johnhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-health-benefits-and-artisan-craft-of-ciabatta-baking/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-health-benefits-and-artisan-craft-of-ciabatta-baking/The craft of ciabatta and the distinction between observable process and demonstrated health effect.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthglutenfructansCiabattaTechniquegut-healthhydrationfermentationhealthy-breadFeatureJohn-Johnhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/health-benefits-of-ciabatta-baking-and-artisan-techniques/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/health-benefits-of-ciabatta-baking-and-artisan-techniques/What a baker can establish about process, and what would require evidence of a health outcome.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthglutenfructansCiabattaTechniquegut-healthhydrationfermentationhealthy-breadFeatureJohn-Johnhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/common-myths-and-facts-about-ciabatta-and-gluten/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/common-myths-and-facts-about-ciabatta-and-gluten/Direct answers about wheat ciabatta, gluten, and the limits of fermentation and handling.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthartisan-breadglutenfructansCiabattagut-healthhydrationfermentationhealthy-breadJohn-Johnhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-science-and-soul-of-ciabatta-a-baker-s-guide-to-healthier-bread/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-science-and-soul-of-ciabatta-a-baker-s-guide-to-healthier-bread/A baker’s account of flour, water, fermentation, and what evidence can support about bread.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthartisan-breadglutenfructansCiabattagut-healthhydrationfermentationhealthy-breadFeatureJohn-Johnhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/ciabatta-the-healthier-artisan-bread-choice/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/ciabatta-the-healthier-artisan-bread-choice/What the name ciabatta can tell you about bread—and what ingredients and serving context must answer.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthCiabattaJohn-Johnhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/is-ciabatta-bread-gluten-free-everything-you-need-to-know-about-gluten-in-ciabatta/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/is-ciabatta-bread-gluten-free-everything-you-need-to-know-about-gluten-in-ciabatta/A clear answer about wheat ciabatta and gluten, including why fermentation does not make it gluten-free.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTArtisan-BreadciabattaGlutenDigestibilityBenefitsTechniqueFeatureJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/how-this-one-technique-used-in-making-ciabatta-lowers-fructans-and-why-it-s-a-game-changer/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/how-this-one-technique-used-in-making-ciabatta-lowers-fructans-and-why-it-s-a-game-changer/Why a fold or handling step cannot be presented as a proven method for lowering fructans.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTArtisan-BreadciabattaGlutenDigestibilityBenefitsFructansTechniqueJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-bakers-way-newsletter-the-ground-of-reality/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-bakers-way-newsletter-the-ground-of-reality/A reflection on attention to ingredients, timing, and the physical conditions of a bake.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTThe-Bakers-WayNewsletterJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/why-ciabatta-bread-stands-out-health-benefits-artisan-techniques-and-digestibility/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/why-ciabatta-bread-stands-out-health-benefits-artisan-techniques-and-digestibility/A practical account of ciabatta technique, with health and digestibility claims bounded by evidence.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTArtisan-BreadciabattaDigestibilityBenefitsJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/why-ciabatta-gluten-free-but-may-be-easier-to-digest/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/why-ciabatta-gluten-free-but-may-be-easier-to-digest/Wheat ciabatta contains gluten; composition studies and digestive outcomes answer different questions.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTArtisan-BreadciabattaglutenfructansdigestionJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/why-ciabatta-outshines-sourdough-the-true-art-of-artisan-bread-baking/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/why-ciabatta-outshines-sourdough-the-true-art-of-artisan-bread-baking/Ciabatta and sourdough describe different features of bread; compare their formulas and fermentation methods.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTArtisan-BreadciabattasourdoughJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/is-ciabatta-better-for-gluten-and-fructan-sensitivities-the-benefits-of-artisan-fermentation/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/is-ciabatta-better-for-gluten-and-fructan-sensitivities-the-benefits-of-artisan-fermentation/What studies of selected breads can—and cannot—establish about fermentation and wheat sensitivity.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthciabattaglutengluten-freefructanJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/artisan-ciabatta-bread-what-makes-it-unique-and-is-it-gluten-free/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/artisan-ciabatta-bread-what-makes-it-unique-and-is-it-gluten-free/What distinguishes ciabatta, what wheat gluten means, and what fermentation does not change.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthciabattaglutengluten-freeJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/ciabatta-vs-sourdough-which-artisan-bread-is-healthier-and-better-for-gluten-sensitivity/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/ciabatta-vs-sourdough-which-artisan-bread-is-healthier-and-better-for-gluten-sensitivity/A process-based comparison of ciabatta and sourdough that avoids unsupported health rankings.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthciabattaglutengluten-freeJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/is-ciabatta-bread-gluten-free-exploring-gluten-content-and-health-benefits/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/is-ciabatta-bread-gluten-free-exploring-gluten-content-and-health-benefits/Wheat ciabatta contains gluten; this guide separates baking method from dietary suitability.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthciabattaglutengluten-freeJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/7-reasons-authentic-ciabatta-bread-is-unique-texture-flavor-and-technique/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/7-reasons-authentic-ciabatta-bread-is-unique-texture-flavor-and-technique/How flour, fermentation, crust, crumb, and handling give ciabatta its distinctive character.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTBaking-CiabattaCiabattaJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/why-stretch-and-fold-ciabatta-is-more-digestible-gluten-fructan-benefits-explained/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/why-stretch-and-fold-ciabatta-is-more-digestible-gluten-fructan-benefits-explained/Folds help organize wet dough; they do not establish lower gluten, fructans, or improved digestibility.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHealthGlutenFructanJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/ciabatta-bread-is-it-gluten-free-understanding-gluten-vs.-fructans-in-bread/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/ciabatta-bread-is-it-gluten-free-understanding-gluten-vs.-fructans-in-bread/Wheat ciabatta contains gluten. This article separates gluten from fructans and explains the limits of fermentation claims.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTCiabattaglutenfructansJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/embrace-authentic-living-how-simplicity-and-patience-create-lasting-happiness-like-baking-ciabatta-bread/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/embrace-authentic-living-how-simplicity-and-patience-create-lasting-happiness-like-baking-ciabatta-bread/A reflection on the work carried out while ciabatta dough rests between stages.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTPhilosophyCiabattaHappinessAuthenticitySimplicityJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-artisan-baker-s-odyssey-from-precision-engineering-to-the-symphony-of-baking/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-artisan-baker-s-odyssey-from-precision-engineering-to-the-symphony-of-baking/John Deacon traces the connection between engineering process diagrams and the measured, sensory work of baking ciabatta.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTArtisan-BakingCiabattaEngineeringJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/comparing-ciabatta-and-sourdough-ingredients-preparation-and-digestibility/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/comparing-ciabatta-and-sourdough-ingredients-preparation-and-digestibility/A fair comparison starts with the actual ingredients, culture, fermentation schedule, and measured outcome.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTSourdoughciabattaglutenfructansJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/ciabatta-unveiled-navigating-gluten-vs.-fructan-for-better-digestion/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/ciabatta-unveiled-navigating-gluten-vs.-fructan-for-better-digestion/A study-specific account of gluten, fructans, and the bread samples researchers measured.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTSourdoughciabattaglutenfructansJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/a-festive-flourish-in-kenton-the-artisanal-magic-of-ciabatta/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/a-festive-flourish-in-kenton-the-artisanal-magic-of-ciabatta/A preserved 2023 Ciabatta.co.za entry about bread and a festive season in Kenton.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTNewsciabattalow-glutenkentonkenton-on-seaJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/baking-low-gluten-ciabatta-artisan-bread/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/baking-low-gluten-ciabatta-artisan-bread/A technical introduction to ciabatta hydration, dough strength, and fermentation; ordinary wheat ciabatta contains gluten.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTLow-GlutenJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/discover-ciabatta-the-versatile-low-gluten-bread-for-every-occasion/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/discover-ciabatta-the-versatile-low-gluten-bread-for-every-occasion/Ciabatta is wheat bread and contains gluten; its style does not define its measured composition.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTLow-GlutenJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/elevating-dining-experiences-the-unmistakable-value-of-fresh-bread-on-your-menu/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/elevating-dining-experiences-the-unmistakable-value-of-fresh-bread-on-your-menu/A practical archive note on bread service, preparation, and the demands of planning a bake.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTDining-ExperiencesFresh-CiabattaJohn the Bakerhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/understanding-the-craft-and-challenges-of-baking-authentic-ciabatta/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/understanding-the-craft-and-challenges-of-baking-authentic-ciabatta/How flour, hydration, fermentation, strength, and handling combine in a demanding ciabatta dough.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTBaking-CiabattaciabattaJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-bread-that-started-it-all-authentic-ciabatta/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/the-bread-that-started-it-all-authentic-ciabatta/John Deacon recalls the ciabatta that set a standard for his baking and the years of work that followed.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTHistoryJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/polish-sourdough-rye-bread-chleb-na-zakwas-zytni/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/polish-sourdough-rye-bread-chleb-na-zakwas-zytni/A preserved 2020 entry on Polish rye sourdough, distinct from the site’s yeast-poolish ciabatta formula.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTAuthentic-Breadpolish-ryeauthenticJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/john-baker-artisan-bread/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/john-baker-artisan-bread/A dated record of the Ciabatta.co.za store period and its earlier artisan-bread publishing.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTSuppliersciabattaartisan-breadJohn Deaconhttps://ciabatta.co.za/blog/saintsvalley-is-now-called-artisan-kitchen/https://ciabatta.co.za/blog/saintsvalley-is-now-called-artisan-kitchen/A dated 2020 record of the SaintsValley and Artisan Kitchen names in the archive.Sun, 18 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTNewsJohn Deacon