A bit of dough is going to cost you some major dough at one New York City bakery.

Rye, a bakery in NYC owned by Austrian baker Martin Auer, went viral after social media caught wind of their $60 sourdough — but the mastermind behind the loaf claims the price is justified.

“First of all, it’s a lot of bread,” co-owner Tim Auer told People on Tuesday, September 22. “It’s about 3.3 pounds, and we not only sell the whole loaf for $60, but we also sell half a loaf or a quarter of the loaf for either $30 or $15.”

<span class="wp-desc-text"></span> <span class="wp-caption-text">Rye</span>

He explained that the high price tag is a “result of all the efforts and costs” that go into each loaf, which is made with just water, flour and salt, per the New York Post, noting that New Yorkers are lining up to buy it.

“Whether that’s importing the organic rye flour from Austria or baking it right here on site on Lafayette Street,” Tim added. “You need to ferment the rye sourdough. You need to feed it every day. That takes about 24 hours before you can use it again. Then you need to make the dough, ferment the dough of the bread, shave the bread, ferment the dough again, bake it, and then you have to let it rest.”

<span class="wp-desc-text"></span> <span class="wp-caption-text">Rye</span>

According to Tim — whose bakery is located near the border of SoHo and NoLiTa in Manhattan — explained that even after baking, each loaf needs to rest for 12 hours before it can be cut or sold.

“It’s all about the craft and our appreciation for craftsmanship, and for doing something that is inherently simple exceptionally well,” he told the outlet. “That’s why we built the space the way we did with this open bakery where you can actually watch the baker do this, and bake rye and shape the bread every day.”

In addition to loaves, the family sells spreads and toppings, as well as accessories ranging from an $80 branded ballcap, $90 canvas tote, various tumblers, cutting boards, and a $160 pair of leather loafers.

This story New York City Bakery Selling $60 Loaf of Bread Goes Viral, Owner Explains Reason Behind the Cost first appeared on First For Money. Follow First For Money on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.