The Pocket Storehouse’s Rick and Susan Nelson are jumping for joy as their products have now been Monash University certified as low FODMAP.
Rick said they were the only wheat-based product recognised by Monash University as low FODMAP and he was proud all their hard work and dedication that went in to producing organic, sourdough, bread, pasta and pizza bases had paid off.
He said the low FODMAP certification would open the local business up to more opportunities, and with a shop expansion or a possible relocation in the works, it was head down for the once banker turned baker.
Earlier this year Rick said he had planned to extend The Pocket Storehouse at Bundaberg East, but he now had his eye on a “derelict old grocery store” to venture in to a second shop front.
Rick said after the Monash low FODMAP certification he was sure there would be more demand for the range of sourdough products.
“Life’s too short to stuff around, we are extremely passionate about what we do,” Rick said.
“It’s nice to know and prove that our products are different from other wheat products.
“Monash is the biggest low FODMAP researcher worldwide.
“One of the most amazing parts is that our pasta is only one of the Monash app to be recognised as low FODMAP.”
He said seven of The Pocket Storehouses’ products were now certified as low FODMAP.
“You know you are on to something good when you have doctors refer people to your bakery,” Rick said.
“There is a definite need for low FODMAP food that tastes good.”
The Pocket Storehouse Monash University low FODMAP certified products:
- Organic Sourdough Spelt Pasta
- Organic Sourdough Wheat Pasta
- Organic Sourdough Wheat Bread
- Organic Sourdough Spelt Pizza Bases
- Organic Sourdough Spelt Bread
- Organic 5 Seed Sourdough Bread
- Organic Sourdough Wheat Pizza Bases
What are FODMAPs?
FODMAPs are a group of sugars that are not completely digested or absorbed in our intestines.
This video is used with permission by Monash University
When FODMAPs reach the small intestine, they move slowly, attracting water. As they pass into the large intestine, FODMAPs are fermented by gut bacteria, producing gas as a result.
The extra gas and water cause the intestinal wall to stretch and expand. Because people with IBS have a highly sensitive gut, ‘stretching’ the intestinal wall causes exaggerated sensations of pain and discomfort.
Rick said after three years in the bakery business word about his sourdough had spread across the country, and The Pocket Storehouse would receive about 10 enquiries from around different parts of Australia each week.
“We know we have this unique product and we can’t sit on it just locally – we have to give it a go,” he said.
“So, we are looking to expand and with that there will be the opportunity for more jobs.”
A chance to learn the art of sourdough
Rick said there was an opportunity for sourdough lovers to join a group for a Sourdough Appreciation course.
The five-hour course will have participants join Rick and his wife Susan at The Pocket Storehouse and learn how to form their very own loaf of sourdough.
For more information or to book click here.
