FAQ & Policies
Find answers to common questions about ordering, pickup, payments, products, and policies. Everything you need to know before placing your order.
Ordering & Pickup
How does ordering work?
When you place an order, you're pre-ordering from what we're baking for that week's market. At checkout, you'll choose one of our available pickup options—Providence Farmers Market, Blue Apple Books pop-up, or porch pickup.
Our Seasonal Market Menu features the breads, treats, and dry mixes available for the current season. Pre-ordering ensures your favorites are reserved and ready for pickup.
Payment is collected at checkout. Once you complete your order, you'll receive a confirmation email and your items will be reserved immediately.
When do I need to place my order?
Pre-orders close the Monday before each market Thursday, or when we sell out—whichever comes first.
We bake in small batches to exact demand, so ordering early ensures you get what you want!
What if I forget to order by Monday?
It happens! Reach out before the Monday deadline, and we'll do our best to accommodate you if space allows. Once baking has started, we can't add orders.
Where and when do I pick up my order?
Thursdays (Weeks 1–3) – Providence Farmers Market in Huntsville, 5–9 PM
Fridays (Weeks 1–3) – Blue Apple Books on Main Street in Madison, 11 AM–2 PM
Porch Pickup – Thursday afternoons, 4–6 PM in Madison, AL
Your confirmation email will include specific pickup details. Prefer Friday pickup at Blue Apple Books instead of Thursday at Providence? Just leave a note at checkout.
What is porch pickup?
Porch pickup is our quieter, contact-free option. Your order will be labeled and waiting on the porch in Madison on Thursday afternoon (4–6 PM) before we head to the market. Perfect if you prefer to skip the event or need an earlier pickup time.
When is the bakery open?
We're open for orders the first three weeks of each month and closed the final week. The bakery also closes occasionally for school breaks and family time. Available pickup dates are always shown when you place your order.
Do you offer delivery or shipping?
We don't currently offer delivery or shipping. As a home-based Alabama cottage bakery, everything is local pickup only.
Payment & Reservations
When do I pay for my order?
Payment is collected at checkout via credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or other digital payment methods. You'll receive an order confirmation email immediately, and your items will be reserved and ready for your selected pickup day.
What payment methods do you accept?
Online orders: Credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, and other digital payment methods through secure checkout.
In-person at markets: Cash, credit/debit cards, Venmo, CashApp, and Apple Pay.
Can I change or cancel my order?
Changes can be requested within 6 hours of invoice payment.
Cancellations must be made before baking begins to be eligible for a refund. Once prep has started, we cannot offer refunds.
If you have a concern after pickup, please reach out within 24 hours. We'll always do our best to make it right.
Do you offer refunds?
Due to the nature of baked goods and our made-to-order model, we cannot offer refunds once baking has started. If there's an issue with your order, please contact us within 24 hours of pickup and we'll work to make it right.
Products & Menus
How often does your menu change?
Our menu rotates seasonally to reflect what's fresh and inspiring. You'll find core favorites like our Original Sourdough alongside seasonal specialties that change throughout the year.
Do you ever have extras after markets?
Occasionally, yes! While we bake to meet pre-orders and stock our market table, factors like foot traffic and weather can affect what sells.
When there are extras, we share them on Instagram @the_sour_crumb so you can snag them while they last. You're also welcome to message us the evening of a market or the following morning to check availability. After 24 hours, we don't sell baked goods—this way, everything is as fresh as possible.
Do you take custom orders?
We don't accept fully off-menu custom orders during market weeks due to limited baking space. However, we're happy to accommodate menu-based requests (like bulk cookie boxes or alternate flavors from our seasonal lineup) when time allows. Just send us a message with your idea!
How should I store my sourdough bread?
For best results, store your sourdough in a paper bag or bread box at room temperature for 2–3 days. Avoid plastic bags, as they can make the crust soft. For longer storage, slice and freeze in an airtight bag for up to 3 months. Toast slices straight from frozen!
Can I freeze sourdough bread?
Absolutely! Sourdough freezes beautifully. Slice it first, then store in an airtight freezer bag. You can toast slices straight from frozen, or thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
Ingredients & Allergens
Are your baked goods corn-free?
Yes! Every item we make is 100% corn-free, including hidden sources like:
- Corn syrup
- Corn starch
- Cornmeal
- Corn-based baking powders
We carefully screen all ingredient labels to avoid corn in any form. Clean, simple, trusted ingredients are at the heart of what we do.
What about other allergens?
All items are prepared in a home kitchen that uses:
Wheat | Eggs | Dairy | Nuts | Soy
While we are not a certified allergen-free facility, we take care to avoid cross-contamination. Please contact us with any allergy questions before ordering.
What ingredients do you use?
We use simple, real ingredients—organic flours when possible, quality butter, free-range eggs, and no artificial additives or preservatives. Every recipe is thoughtfully developed to be both delicious and as clean as possible.
Do you offer gluten-free or vegan options?
Not at this time. Our focus is on traditional sourdough and baked goods made with wheat flour, eggs, and dairy. We're a small operation and specialize in what we do best!
Sourdough Starter & Classes
What is Clyde?
Clyde is our sourdough starter—the heart of our bakery and the culture behind every loaf we bake. We offer Clyde in dehydrated form so you can start your own sourdough journey at home.
How do I use dehydrated starter?
When you purchase Clyde, you'll receive instant access to our free Rehydrating Clyde mini-course with step-by-step instructions, a printable feeding schedule, and troubleshooting tips. Just add water, follow the guide, and you'll have an active starter in a few days!
Do you teach sourdough classes?
Yes! We host hands-on sourdough classes at Lemon & Lavender on Main Street in Madison. Check our Around Townpage for upcoming class dates and details.
I've never baked sourdough before. Where should I start?
Start with our Sourdough Starter Kit, which includes everything you need: dehydrated starter, a banneton proofing basket, and free access to our beginner-friendly course. Or check out our Kitchen Library page for helpful blog posts and recipe inspiration!