What is a sourdough starter?
A sourdough starter is a mixture of flour and water that is fermented in order to capture and cultivate wild yeast from the environment. Once a starter is established and its microbiome is thriving, it acts as the natural leavening agent for your bread (meaning: it makes your bread rise). A mature starter also imparts sourdough’s characteristic tangy flavor. Sourdough is distinct from bread made with commercial yeast, baking soda, or baking powder. A true, traditional loaf of sourdough only needs three ingredients: flour, water, and salt.

Is it alive?
Yes, a sourdough starter is considered a living culture because the community of wild yeast is actively reproducing. The microorganisms in the starter require regular feedings of flour and water to sustain their activity. The activity of a sourdough starter is influenced by factors such as temperature, the amount of flour and water added, and the type of flour used. Regularly feeding your starter keeps the microbial balance in check and creates a good environment for your starter to grow.

What does it mean to “feed” my starter?
Feeding your sourdough starter means refreshing it with flour and water to provide the necessary nutrients for the wild yeast. Regular feedings maintain the health and vitality of the sourdough starter, ensuring that it continues to leaven bread effectively and impart the desired flavors.

How do I know my starter is ready to use?
Your starter is ready when it’s at the top of its rise. Do a simple “float test” to find out if it’s ready. Scoop out 1 tbsp of active starter and place in a glass of water. If it floats, it has plenty of bubbles and gas that will leaven your bread. If it sinks, it could either need more time to rise or it could be past its optimal baking window.

Why does my starter smell bad?
It is normal for your starter to have any of the following smells: sour, funky, cheesy, vinegary, fermented, alcoholic, nutty, and sweet. The smell depends on many factors—how long ago did you feed it? What ratio did you use? Was it kept on the counter or in the fridge? Unless your starter smells specifically like stinky feet, it is probably fine. Do not throw your starter away based solely on the smell. If you think your starter might be going bad, look for mold or pink/orange streaks. These signs mean your starter has gone bad. Otherwise, proceed as usual!

What if I forgot to feed my starter?
Your starter is pretty resilient and can bounce back as long as there isn’t mold growing in it. If your starter is in the fridge and hasn’t been fed for many weeks, it should be fine after a couple of fresh feedings. At room temperature, however, you need to keep a closer eye on your starter. Do not let it go unfed for more than two days at room temperature.

What kind of flour should I use?
Organic, unbleached flour is the best option. Adding rye or whole wheat every once in a while gives your starter a nice boost of nutrients.

Can I use tap water?
Yes, but filtered water is better because most of the impurities have been removed.

How long does discard last in the fridge?
Discard stays good for a long time. Unless you see mold, it’s good to be used. But just to keep your discard jar fresh, clean out your discard jar every month.

Can I revive a neglected starter?
It is VERY likely that you can revive a neglected starter. In the fridge, your starter can last for many months.

Why is my starter taking forever to rise?
This is likely because the temperature in your house is cold. If your starter needs some extra warmth, simply put your starter in the oven with the light on. No other heat is needed.

Can I preserve my starter?
You can either dehydrate or freeze your starter if you don’t plan to bake for a while. To dehydrate, simply spread your starter in a thin layer on a piece of parchment paper and leave it uncovered until completely dry.

Can I make more starters out of my starter?
Yes! If you want to gift someone a sourdough starter, just put 10 grams of starter in a clean jar. It does not need to be bubbling and active when you give it to them. This is a great little gift for your favorite baker. Sourdough