Chernushka Rye Bread

Our chewy, traditional Jewish rye (made the old-fashioned way with a rye starter and “old”—a mash made of the previous day’s bake and water) studded with chernushka seeds, also known as black caraway or nigella seeds. Historically, chernushka seeds were added as a way to increase the flavor of an otherwise mild-tasting grain. Most Americans think that rye has a very strong flavor, but that’s really the caraway that is often added to the dough and not the rye itself. The chernushka seeds give the loaf a nice peppery flavor with notes of cumin, thyme, and onion. This bread has developed a devoted following!