Maria Baradell, known as @leadandloafco on social media, gained attention for making sourdough bread from scratch while on a flight from Dallas to Barcelona to visit her sister after six years. In two viral videos, she documented the process which has been viewed over 1.8 million times. Despite the trend of making sourdough bread for homemakers on social media, Baradell decided to showcase her baking skills on a plane, mixing water, starter, flour, and salt in a large bowl during her flight, being careful not to bother other passengers.
Baradell explained that she fed her sourdough starter before leaving Dallas to ensure it would be ready to use later in the day. Throughout the flight, she did not encounter any issues with other passengers or flight attendants during her bread-making experiment. She noted that the sourdough went through eight hours of fermentation but was still not ready to bake due to the altitude, humidity, and temperature of the plane. Once she arrived in Barcelona, she pre-shaped the dough, let it bench rest, and gave it a final shape before letting it cold proof for 20 hours.
After sharing the video on social media, some users expressed concerns about potential risks, such as spreading flour in a closed environment and bacteria swirling around the cabin. Baradell responded to the feedback by posting a video apologizing for offending anyone with her experiment. She emphasized that the bread would be baked at 450 degrees Fahrenheit, killing any germs, and that she used hand sanitizer before each step. Despite the mixed reactions, some users praised her dedication and creativity, with one user saying they would feel relaxed seeing her bake bread next to them on a flight.
Baradell’s passion for baking bread started in early 2024, and she has since turned it into a successful business, making over 60 loaves of bread each week for her community. Her goal is to bring bread back to America by sharing baking hacks and content on social media. While some users may have voiced concerns about her bread-making on a plane, others appreciated her skills and dedication, with many expressing admiration for her creativity and commitment to her craft.
Celiac disease, an illness caused by an immune reaction to eating gluten, was mentioned in some social media comments regarding the risks of baking bread on a plane due to potential allergens. Baradell acknowledged the concerns raised and stated that she would not attempt baking bread on a flight again. Despite the controversy surrounding her experiment, Baradell remains dedicated to sharing her love of bread-making with others and hopes to inspire more people to bake their own bread at home.
Overall, Maria Baradell’s unique and innovative approach to baking sourdough bread on a plane sparked a conversation on social media, with some lauding her creativity and dedication while others expressing concerns about potential risks. Her journey from baking for her neighbors to becoming a successful bread baker highlights the power of sharing one’s passion and skills with the world. Despite the challenges and controversies she faced, Baradell’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring bakers and creators looking to make a mark in the world of food and lifestyle.
