Description
Making your own sourdough starter might sound intimidating, but it’s simpler than you think! With just flour, water, and a little patience, you can cultivate a living starter that will help you bake tangy, crusty, homemade bread. This step-by-step guide is perfect for beginners and doesn’t require any fancy equipment.
Ingredients
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½ cup (60g) organic, unbleached all-purpose flour
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¼ cup (60ml) filtered or dechlorinated water, room temperature
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Optional Day 1 boosters:
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1 tbsp whole wheat or rye flour
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Small piece of unwashed organic apple peel or a pinch of sugar
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Equipment
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Two 16 oz (2 cup) glass jars
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Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
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Rubber band or erasable marker
Instructions
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In a clean jar, mix ½ cup flour and ¼ cup water (add optional boosters if using) until smooth.
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Scrape down sides, mark the level with a rubber band, and cover loosely.
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Place in a warm spot (70–75°F) for 24 hours.
Day 2:
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Discard half of the starter.
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Add ½ cup flour and ¼ cup water to the remaining starter, stir well, scrape down sides, mark new level, and cover loosely.
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Let rest 24 hours.
Days 3–6:
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Repeat the discard and feed routine daily.
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Watch for bubbles and a tangy smell. Don’t worry about the initial funky odors—they’ll mellow.
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If you see a dark liquid (hooch), stir it in for extra sourness or pour it off.
Day 7 and onward:
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Starter is ready when it doubles in size within 4–6 hours of feeding and passes the float test (a spoonful floats in water).
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Move to the fridge for weekly feedings until ready to bake.
Notes
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Discard Use: Don’t throw away the discarded starter—use it for pancakes, waffles, crackers, or muffins.
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Warm Spot: If your kitchen is cold, place the jar in the oven with just the light on or in a microwave with a bowl of warm water.
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Feeding Routine: Consistency is key; feed the starter daily until it’s strong and active.
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Troubleshooting:
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Hooch: Dark liquid means hungry starter. Stir in or pour off.
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No bubbles: Continue feeding; some environments take longer for wild yeast to establish.
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Mold: Only discard if you see pink, orange, or fuzzy patches.
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