How to Feed Sourdough Starter | Easy Feeding Your Sourdough Starter - Cultures For Health (2024)

HOW TO FEED YOUR SOURDOUGH STARTER

Feeding a SourdoughStarter by Weight vs. Volume

Feeding asourdough starterinvolves combiningstarter,flour, andwaterin a particular ratio to ensure the starter has the "food" it needs to stay healthy and active.

Sourdough starter can be fed either byweightorvolumemeasurements. Feeding byweightis consideredmore accurate, but feeding byvolumeis usuallymore convenient, as most people have measuring cups in the kitchen.

Either methodcan be used successfully. Be sure tocheck the instructionsincluded with your starter for the ratios of starter, water, and flour specific to the type of sourdough starter you are using.

Sourdough Feeding Ratios:

If you're feeding a sourdough starter by weight, the ratio of starter towater toflour is 1:1:1. So If you're using 50 grams of starter, add 50 grams ofwater and 50 grams of flour.

If you want to feed a sourdough starter by volume, the ratio of starter to flower to water is 1:1:1.75. So you would use 1/2 a cup of starter to 1/2 a cup of water to just under a cup of flour.

Sourdough Feeding Instructions

1. Measureroom temperature starter or remove¼cup starterfrom refrigerator.
2. Feed the starter withflourandwaterevery8-12 hoursusing one of the following methods:If using a scaleto measure ingredients, combine equal amounts by weight of starter, water, and flour. For instance, 50 grams of starter, 50 grams of water, 50 grams of flour.If using measuring cups, combine 1 part sourdough starter, 1 part water, and a little less than 2 parts flour. For example, ¼ cup of starter, ¼ cup water, and a little less than ½ cup flour.
3. Cover; place in a warm area,70°-85°F, for8-12 hours.Repeat steps 1-3until you have enough starter for your recipe, with a little leftover.

NOTE:A brown liquid layer on top of your starter, calledhooch, indicates that the starter is hungry. If hooch forms, pour it off and feed the starter as soon as possible, then feed more frequently going forward.

4. When preparing to bake, use the fresh starterwithin 3-4 hours of being fed, to ensure the starter is at itspeak of activity.
5. Extra starter may bediscarded, stored in the refrigerator, or kept at room temperature and fed again as above. Alwaysretain at least ¼cup starterto begin your next project.

FEED ROOM TEMPERATURE SOURDOUGH STARTER DAILY

If you bake frequently, maintain your sourdough starter at room temperature and feed2-3 times daily, as described above. Most starters generally require feeding every8-12 hours, depending on the temperature in the culturing area.

Keep in mind that some starters are naturally fast proofers, like ourRye Sourdough Starter, so would require more frequent feedings.

When maintained atroom temperatureandfed daily, your sourdough starter will always beready to use for baking. Use the starter to prepare bread doughwithin 3-4 hours of being fed,to ensure the starter is at its peak of activity.

FEED REFRIGERATED SOURDOUGH STARTER ON A WEEKLY BASIS

If you do not bake often, maybe onlyweeklyormonthly, it may be more practical to keep yoursourdough starterin therefrigerator, in a tightly closed container, andfeed it once per week.

1. Removeat least¼cupstarter from refrigerator.Discardthe remaining starter.
2. Feedstarter with flour and water:If using a scale to measure ingredients,combine equal amounts by weight of starter, water, and flour. For instance, 50 grams starter, 50 grams water, 50 grams flour.If using measuring cups, combine 1 part starter, 1 part water, and a little less than 2 parts flour. For instance, ¼cup starter,¼cup water, slightly less than ½cup flour.
3. Cover; let the starter sit for1-2 hoursat room temperature until light and bubbly.
4. Puta tight lid on the jar andreturnto the refrigerator.
5. Repeat weeklyeven when not baking with your sourdough culture.

Preparing Refrigerated Sourdough Starter for Baking

Refrigeratedsourdough starteris in a state of hibernation. Before using it for baking, follow our instructions formaking fresh sourdough starterto ensure your sourdough starter is fully awakened and active enough to leaven bread.

If you're ready to start making your own bread, Cultures For Health has the best options for all of your sourdough starter needs. From differenttypes of sourdough startersto all of the equipment you need, we've got it all for you. You may also try our Sourdough Cultures for Sale.