You will need

• 100g sourdough starter
• 100g water
• 100g unbleached bread flour
• A glass jar with a lid (I use this one.)
• A kitchen scale (I use this one.)

what is sourdough starter

A sourdough starter is a live fermented culture of flour and water. Once it’s fed with additional flour and water (and left in a warm spot to rise, ideally 75 degrees), it becomes bubbly and active. A small portion of this active starter is used to make bread dough rise.

Feeding Sourdough Starter

The most common feeding ratio is 1:1:1 (sourdough starter: flour: water). This is also known as a 100% hydration starter. 

For example, let’s say you have 100g of sourdough starter in a jar. To feed it, you’ll add 100g of flour + 100g of water. This is referred to feeding with “equal parts by weight.” You need a scale for this (measuring cups are not considered “equal parts by weight” because different ingredients weigh different amounts). You should also know, this feeding ratio applies to any quantity of starter. If you have 20g starter in a jar, feed it with 20g flour + 20g water. You can scale the ratio up or down.

Maintaining Your Sourdough Starter

1. Remove and discard half of your sourdough starter
2. Feed what’s left in the jar with equal parts flour and water by weight (1:1:1 feeding ratio).
3. Let rise at room temperature (covered or airtight) ideally 75+ degrees, until bubbly, active and double in size (2-12 hrs.).

How to Store Sourdough Starter

Once you have a starter, you’ll need to maintain it with regular feedings when not in use- otherwise your bread won’t rise. Your feeding maintenance routine is directly related to where it’s stored and how often you plan to bake.

• Room Temperature: if you bake a few times a week, keep your starter at room temperature. You’ll need to feed it (1x) per day, even when not in use. Storing at room temperature, especially if it’s warm, will make it ready to use faster.
• In the Fridge: if you bake only once a week or once a month, store your starter in the fridge. Feed it (1x) per week to maintain it’s strength. You do not need to bring it to room temperature first before feeding it; just remove it from the fridge, feed it and put it back. When ready to use, feed the cold starter at room temperature until it perks back up. Use warm water. Find a warm spot. Remember, the warmer it is, the faster it will rise.