A sourdough starter is a fermented mixture of flour and water that’s used to make sourdough bread. It’s also sometimes called a sourdough culture. While you can buy a sourdough starter from a bakery or online, it’s easy (and more economical) to make your own starter at home. All you need is some flour, water, and a little bit of patience.
1. Combine Water And Flour - Start Sourdough Starter
Combine equal parts flour and water in a clean glass jar. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth, then cover the jar with a clean cloth or coffee filter and secure it with a rubber band.
2. Let Ingredients Ferment
Set the jar in a warm, draft-free spot and allow it to ferment for 5-7 Days. Feed the starter daily. To feed, discard roughly half the starter and replenish with equal parts water and flour each day. After several days It should be bubbly and have doubled in size. If it hasn’t, give it another day or two to ferment.
3. Maintain Sour Dough Starter
Once your starter is bubbly and active, it’s ready to use! To keep your starter alive and healthy, feed it once a week by adding equal parts flour and water if refrigerated.
Now You Are Ready To Start Sourdough From Scratch
A sourdough starter is a fermented mixture of flour and water that’s used to make sourdough bread. It’s also sometimes called a sourdough culture. While you can buy a sourdough starter from a bakery or online, it’s easy (and more economical) to make your own starter at home using just flour, water, and time. Follow the simple instructions above to create your own bubbly, active starter that you can use to make delicious sourdough bread!