Getting Started with Your New Sourdough Starter
Congratulations! You're the proud owner of new sourdough starter. Here are all the instructions you need to get going with this delicious hobby.
Ingredients
Your First Sourdough Starter
- 1/2 cup sourdough starter quantity may vary depending on your source
For Your First Feeding
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup water not hot, cold or room temperature is ok
Instructions
- Your starter has likely arrived in a transportation container, not a long-term storage container. Place it in your fridge to keep it safe until you are able to do the first feeding within the next 24 hours.
- Feed your starter: Use a 1:1:1 ratio for every feeding. Measure your starter and then use equal parts flour and water to feed it. Stir it all together. I recommend using 1/2 cup or approximately 90 - 120 grams of starter to start. Anything you have remaining from your original container of starter over the amount you fed will become your "sourdough discard."
- Store your active starter: Place the just-fed active starter in your active starter jar. Choose a clear glass container with a loose fitting lid. Do not cover the jar with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, the starter needs to breathe. If you plan to bake in the next 2 - 3 days, keep the starter on the counter and feed it 1-2 times per day to keep it active. If you don't plan to bake soon, feed it and then store it directly in the fridge for up to 7 days. Do not let it rise on your counter before putting in the fridge, always chill it directly after feeding.
- Store your sourdough discard: Don't throw away the excess sourdough starter after a feeding, it can be used to make delicious things like sourdough waffles and sourdough crackers. Store your discard in a plastic storage tub with a tight fitting lid for up to 2 weeks. Mark the tub with the date of the first addition of discard. Then continue to collect discard from additional feedings in the tub. No need to feed the discard. You can use it directly in discard recipes as long as you use it up before the two week deadline.