How to Make a Sourdough Starter From Scratch

Making your own sourdough starter is easier than you think, and the benefits are worth it! Sourdough bread is made from a natural starter that has been cultured for weeks. In some cases, starters have been maintained and passed on for years. The result is a delicious and nutritious loaf of bread that is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just about anything else. In this article, we will teach you how to make your own sourdough starter from scratch. Let’s get started!

What is a sourdough starter?

Sourdough starter is a key ingredient in sourdough bread that helps give the bread its unique flavor and texture.  The starter is made from a mix of flour and water that is allowed to ferment for a period of time. This fermentation process creates beneficial bacteria and yeast that help leaven the bread and give it its sour flavor.

Sourdough bread has a long history, and it is widely appreciated for its unique flavor profile. The science behind sourdough is fascinating, and the health benefits of sourdough bread are numerous. It has a lower glycemic index than other types of bread, which means that it doesn’t cause as much of a spike in blood sugar levels. It is also higher in dietary fiber, calcium, and vitamin B12 than other types of bread.

Why should I make my own sourdough starter?

There are several reasons why you should make your own sourdough starter. First and probably most importantly, it’s easy to do and only requires a few simple ingredients.  The cost is minimal although you are paying for that with the amount of time you will need to dedicate to maintaining it. Even then, it takes about five minutes a day to ensure that you have a healthy starter.

Second, sourdough bread is healthier than store-bought bread. It contains less sugar and fewer carbohydrates, and it is higher in fiber and protein.  Its lower glycemic index makes it a better choice for people with diabetes or prediabetes.  It contains healthy probiotics that can improve gut health.

Third, sourdough bread tastes delicious! It has a tangy flavor that most people find irresistible.

Benefits of sourdough over buying commercial bread

There are several benefits to using a sourdough starter over commercial bread. Sourdough starters are made with natural ingredients and no chemicals or preservatives are used. The fermentation process that is used to make sourdough bread results in a more nutrient-rich final product. Many people find that they digest sourdough bread more easily than commercial bread.

How to make a sourdough starter from scratch

Here is what you need if you are interested in making a sourdough starter from scratch:

– Wheat flour

– All-purpose flour

– Water

– Glass jar or container

– Coffee filters or cheesecloth (I used coffee filters I bought for this project)

– Measuring cups (1 cup)

Ingredients:

– All-purpose flour

– Wheat flour

– Warm water * Note: warm water should not exceed 80 degrees.

Instructions:

Step One: Combine 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of wheat flour, with 1/2 cup of warm-temperature water in a glass jar or container. Stir until well combined.

Step Two: Cover the top of your mixture with a coffee filter or piece of cheesecloth and secure it with a rubber band. Allow the mixture to sit in a warm area for 24 hours.

Step Three: After approximately a day, check your starter. If bubbles have formed it is time to feed it! If not, stir your mixture, add a teaspoon of water if it looks pasty, and let it sit for another 24 hours. By this time, your starter should have developed bubbles.

Step Four: Before feeding, discard at least 1/2 cup of your starter. I try to make sure that I have at least 1/2 cup of starter in my mason jar at all times. The more starter in your jar, the larger the amount of flour you will have to provide to feed it.

Step Six: To feed, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose, 1/4 cup of wheat flour, and 1/2 cup of warm water to your starter. Stir until well combined.

Step Seven: Again, cover the top with a coffee filter or piece of cheesecloth secured with a rubber band and let it sit for 24 more hours in a warm place.

Step Eight: Check on your starter again! Bubbles should be visible and increasing. If not, continue to feed it every day until you see bubbles. This can take up to a week.

Step Nine: Once your starter is bubbling consistently, it is ready to use! This typically takes around 7-9 days. You can keep it in the fridge and use as needed, or you can begin baking with it right away. Just remember; if you keep it in the fridge, it needs to be taken out and fed once a week.

Sourdough hacks

If you are short on time or aren’t sure if your starter is growing, there are a few shortcuts that you can take to speed up the process:

– While this somewhat undermines the purpose of using sourdough, you can use store-bought yeast to jump-start your starter. Just add a teaspoon of yeast to your flour and water mixture. After 24 hours, check on it and proceed with the feeding process as normal. 

– Another way to speed up the process is to use sourdough discard if you already know someone who has an established starter. This is the liquid that you pour off when you are feeding your starter. It already contains wild yeast, so it will help to jump-start your new starter. Just add equal parts flour and water to your sourdough discard and follow the instructions above.  

– Use a rubber band at the fill line after you feed your starter to measure how much your starter grows daily.

Can I use a different type of flour for my starter?

Yes! You can use any type of flour you would like for your starter. I typically use a combination of all-purpose and wheat flour but feel free to experiment. Many people chose to use einkorn flour, rice flour and even spelt. It is completely up to your personal preference.

What if my starter doesn’t bubble?

If your starter does not develop bubbles after a few days, it may not be viable. Continue feeding it with a fresh batch of flour and water and see if that helps. If your starter still does not bubble, it may be best to discard it and start again.

Is there any other way I can get a sourdough starter without making it?

If you are interested in trying sourdough bread but don’t want to go through the hassle of making your own starter, there are a few companies that sell high-quality sourdough starters online(Baker Creek sells one here). However, I would encourage you to try making your own starter from scratch at least once. It’s really not as difficult as it seems, and you’ll end up with a starter that is uniquely your own.

Making your own sourdough starter

Making a sourdough starter from scratch is not difficult and is a great idea if you are trying to keep from using store bought yeast. With a little patience, you can have your very own sourdough starter that is ready to use in just a week. All you need to do is remember to feed it regularly and keep it in a warm place.

Do you have any tips or tricks for making sourdough starter? Let us know in the comments below!