How to Feed and Maintain a Sourdough Starter

A comprehensive guide on how to feed a sourdough starter, while also covering topics such as maintaining, troubleshooting common issues, and tips for achieving optimal flavor and activity.

Filled with practical advice and expert tips to help bakers successfully nurture and sustain a healthy sourdough starter for delicious homemade sourdough bread.

A sourdough starter plays a pivotal role in the sourdough bread baking process due to its unique properties and benefits.

Firstly, it serves as a natural leavening agent, replacing commercial yeast. The wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria present in the starter contribute to the fermentation process, resulting in a more flavorful and aromatic bread.

Secondly, sourdough starters enhance the texture and structure of baked goods, providing a desirable chewiness and improved shelf life.

Lastly, sourdough fermentation breaks down complex carbohydrates and gluten, making the bread easier to digest for those with gluten sensitivities. The complex flavors, improved texture, and digestive benefits make a sourdough starter a valuable asset in baking.

Jump to:

• How often should I feed my sourdough starter?
• How much should I feed my sourdough starter?
• Frequently asked questions
• Can I use the discarded sourdough starter in recipes?
• How to make a backup of sourdough starter
• Troubleshooting guide
• More sourdough baking resources

How often should I feed my sourdough starter?

The frequency of feeding your sourdough starter depends on various factors such as ambient temperature, desired fermentation speed, and your baking schedule.

In general, feeding your starter once a day or once a week is a common practice. However, the frequency can be adjusted based on the following guidelines:

1. Daily Feeding: If you maintain your starter at room temperature (around 70-85°F or 21-29°C) and want it to be ready for baking within a day or two, daily feedings are recommended. Discard a portion of the starter and feed it with fresh flour and water every 24 hours.
2. Twice-Daily Feeding: In warmer environments or if you prefer a faster fermentation process, you can feed your starter twice a day, approximately every 12 hours. This helps maintain a more active and vigorous starter.
3. Refrigerator Storage: If you don't plan to bake frequently or want to slow down the fermentation process, you can store your starter in the refrigerator. When refrigerated, the feeding frequency can be reduced to once a week or even every two weeks. Remember to feed the starter and allow it to ferment at room temperature for a few hours before returning it to the refrigerator.

The key is to observe your starter's behavior and adjust the feeding frequency accordingly.

If it starts to develop a strong sour smell, becomes overly bubbly, or shows signs of slowing down (e.g., taking longer to rise after feeding), it may be an indication that your starter needs more frequent feedings or additional refreshments.

How much should I feed my sourdough starter?

Feeding ratios in sourdough starters refer to the proportion of flour and water used when refreshing or feeding the starter. The feeding ratio is typically represented as a ratio of flour and water to starter.

The ratios listed below result in a hydration level of 100%, meaning the weight of water equals the weight of flour.

Common feeding ratios for sourdough starters include:

1:1:1 Ratio: This ratio means using equal parts of flour, water, and starter by weight. For example, if you have 100 grams of a starter, you would feed it with 100 grams of flour and 100 grams of water.

This starter will rise quicker than a higher ratio of flour/water to starter. Use this ratio if you want a starter that is ready in 4-6 hours.

1:4:4 Ratio: This ratio involves using four the weight of flour and water compared to the starter. For instance, if you have 25 grams of starter, you would feed it with 100 grams of flour and 100 grams of water. Use this ratio if you want a sourdough starter that is ready to bake within 10-12 hours.

Customized Ratios: You can adjust the feeding ratios based on your preference or the specific recipe requirements. Higher hydration ratios, such as 1:2:2 or even 1:3:3, result in a more hydrated and liquid starter, while lower hydration ratios, such as 1:1:1, create a stiffer starter.

It's a good practice to experiment with different ratios and observe how they impact your sourdough baking results until you find a ratio that works well for your desired bread texture and flavor.

How to refresh your starter after it has been in the fridge for a while

A mature sourdough starter can last for several weeks to months if kept in a refrigerator without being fed.

If your sourdough starter has been in the fridge for a while and you want to give it a refresh, follow the steps below.

• Discard all but 25 grams and add 100 grams of filtered water and 100 grams of flour.
• Mix vigorously with a spatula, cover lightly, and set on the counter for a few hours to allow the yeast to multiply.
• Place the jar back into the fridge until the next time it needs to be refreshed or you wish to bake sourdough.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best flour to feed my sourdough starter?

When feeding your sourdough starter, it is generally recommended to use high-quality, unbleached organic flour. The type of flour you choose can impact the flavor, activity, and overall health of your starter. Here are some common flour options for feeding your sourdough starter:

1. All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour, which is a blend of hard and soft wheat, is a popular choice for feeding sourdough starter. It provides a good balance of protein and starch, which promotes a healthy fermentation process.
2. Bread Flour: Bread flour has a higher protein content compared to all-purpose flour. This can contribute to increased gluten development and give your sourdough starter extra strength and structure.
3. Whole Wheat Flour: Whole wheat flour adds nutritional value to your starter as it contains the bran and germ of the wheat kernel. It can provide a slightly nuttier flavor and enhance the complexity of your sourdough bread.
4. Rye Flour: Rye flour can be used in combination with other flours or as a standalone option for feeding your sourdough starter. Rye flour contains enzymes that can help boost fermentation activity and contribute to a distinct flavor profile.
5. Spelt Flour: Spelt flour is an ancient grain that can be used to feed your sourdough starter. It has a nutty flavor and can add a unique character to your bread.

It's worth noting that different types of flours may result in variations in flavor, fermentation speed, and texture.

You can experiment with different flour combinations and ratios to find the ones that produce the desired results for your baking preferences.

Additionally, using organic or locally sourced flours can add further depth to the flavor of your sourdough starter and bread.

What kind of water should I use in my sourdough starter?

When it comes to choosing water for feeding your sourdough starter, using water that is free from chlorine, chloramine, or other strong chemicals is generally recommended. Here are a few considerations:

• Filtered Water: Using filtered water, such as water from a home filtration system or a countertop filter, is a popular choice. It helps remove impurities and chemicals that could potentially hinder the activity of the natural yeasts and bacteria in your sourdough starter.
• Spring Water: Natural spring water can be an excellent option for feeding your sourdough starter. It is generally free from chlorine and other additives, and it often contains beneficial minerals that can contribute to the overall health and flavor of your starter.
• Tap Water: If your tap water is chlorinated, it's advisable to let it sit in an open container for at least 24 hours before using it to feed your starter. This allows chlorine to dissipate, as it can potentially have a negative impact on the fermentation process.

It's important to note that the quality and characteristics of water can vary depending on your location.

If you're unsure about the quality of your tap water, consider using filtered or spring water as a more reliable option.

Ultimately, the goal is to provide your sourdough starter with water that is free from chemicals that could inhibit its fermentation activity.

Can I use the discarded sourdough starter in recipes?

Yes, you can save and make use of sourdough discard in recipes. Sourdough discard refers to the portion of the starter that you remove and discard during the feeding process.

Instead of discarding it, you can repurpose the discard in various recipes to avoid waste and enjoy its unique flavor.

Collect the discarded sourdough starter in a separate container and store it in the fridge.

Here are a few ideas for using sourdough discard:

1. Pancakes and Waffles: Incorporate the sourdough discard into pancake or waffle batters for added tanginess and flavor.
2. Bread and Rolls: Add sourdough discard to zucchini bread or cinnamon rolls to enhance their flavor and texture. It can be used in combination with commercial yeast or in recipes specifically designed for sourdough discard.
3. Crackers and Flatbreads: Use sourdough discard to make homemade crackers, tortillas, or naan. It adds a pleasant tang and complexity to these snacks.
4. Quick Breads and Muffins: Incorporate sourdough discard into quick breads like banana bread or muffins. It adds moisture and a unique flavor profile to the baked goods.
5. Pizza Dough: Make our easy sourdough pizza crust recipe for a unique flavor and improved texture.

How to make a backup of sourdough starter

Creating a backup of your sourdough starter is a wise practice to ensure its preservation in case of accidental loss or contamination. Here are a couple of ways you can make a backup.

How to dry sourdough starter

Spread 200 grams of sourdough discard into a thin layer on a silicone mat or a piece of parchment paper. Allow it to air dry completely, for about 3-4 days depending on the temperature and humidity of your kitchen.

I place the sheet in a cold oven to keep it free from any debris that might be floating in the air. Place a sticky note on the oven so that you don't forget it's in there!

Once it's dry, break the starter into pieces and place them in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Store in a cool dry place for 6-12 months.

How to revive dried sourdough starter

To revive the dried sourdough starter, add 50 grams to a clean jar with 100 grams of water and 100 grams of flour. Let sit for 24 hours at room temperature.

The next day transfer 25 grams to a new jar and feed with 100 grams of water and 100 grams of flour. Feed the starter once a day until it starts to double in size.

How to freeze the sourdough starter

Pour the starter into an ice cube tray and place in the freezer until frozen. Transfer the cubes into a freezer-safe container and keep them frozen for up to 1 year.

How to revive frozen sourdough starter

To reactivate the frozen starter, place a cube into a jar and allow it to thaw. Once fully thawed, feed with 100g water and 100g flour.

The next day transfer 25 grams to a new jar and feed with 100 grams of water and 100 grams of flour. Feed the starter once a day until it starts to double in size.

Troubleshooting guide

Troubleshooting problems with a sourdough starter can help identify and address issues that may affect its health and performance. Here are some common problems you may encounter with your sourdough starter and suggestions on how to troubleshoot them:

Slow Fermentation or Lack of Activity

• Check the temperature: Ensure that your sourdough starter is kept in an environment with a consistent temperature between 70-85°F (21-29°C) for optimal fermentation.
• Adjust feeding schedule: Consider increasing the frequency of feedings to provide more food for the microorganisms, or try using a higher hydration ratio to boost activity.
• Revive with a small boost: Take a small portion of your starter and feed it with fresh flour and water in a separate container. This helps kickstart fermentation and encourages activity.

Foul or Off Odor

• Evaluate feeding routine: Check if you're feeding your sourdough starter often enough. A strong, unpleasant smell can indicate that the starter needs more frequent feedings.
• Adjust feeding ratios: Try altering the feeding ratio by increasing the amount of flour relative to water. This helps balance the acidity in the starter and reduce potential off odors.
• Discard and rebuild: If the off odor persists, consider discarding a larger portion of your starter and starting afresh using the remaining healthy portion.

Hooch (Liquid) Separation

• Adjust feeding frequency: If hooch (a brownish liquid) forms on top of your starter between feedings, it may indicate that the starter is hungry. Consider feeding it more frequently or increasing the amount of food provided during each feeding.
• Stir or pour off excess hooch: If hooch forms, stir it back into the starter or pour it off before feeding. However, if the hooch is excessively dark or has an unpleasant odor, discard it.
• Reduce hydration: If your starter consistently produces excessive hooch, try lowering the hydration level by using a lower water-to-flour ratio during feedings.

Mold Growth

• Maintain cleanliness: Ensure that all equipment used for your starter is clean and free from any contaminants.
• Avoid cross-contamination: Store your starter away from other ferments or food sources that could introduce unwanted molds or bacteria.
• Discard and start fresh: If mold growth occurs, it's best to discard the affected starter and begin a new batch using a thoroughly cleaned container and fresh ingredients.

Remember, sourdough starters can be resilient and may require some experimentation and adjustments to find the best practices for your specific environment and routine.

Observing your starter's behavior, making small modifications, and maintaining a consistent feeding schedule will help troubleshoot and maintain a healthy and active sourdough starter.

More sourdough baking resources

• Beginner Sourdough Starter Recipe
• Signs that your sourdough starter ready to bake with
• Baking conversion chart
• Essential tools for sourdough bread baking
• Sourdough glossary
• Baking conversion chart

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This post was first published in May 2020 and revised in May 2023 with updated information and photos.