Feeding Your Sourdough Starter

So, you have a sourdough starter—whether it was a gift from a friend or resurrected from dehydrated flakes. What's next?

Consistent feeding is key for a starter to be ready to bake with! Typically, you should feed your starter every 12-24 hours. In warmer months, you may need more frequent feedings, while less frequent ones will suffice in colder months. The best part? Don't fret too much about measurements; it's not as daunting as it may seem. After all, folks in the 1800s didn't have kitchen scales!

Feeding Your Starter:

Instead of obsessing over precise measurements, trust your instincts. Begin with a bit of warm water (about the same amount as your existing starter) and mix it well with a fork.

To achieve the right consistency, add a blend of all-purpose and rye flour until you reach a thick, almost paste-like texture. Aim for roughly the same amount of flour as your initial starter. Remember, your starter isn't picky about perfection!

Observing Your Starter:

Keep an eye on your starter after feeding; it will show its appreciation by rising. Once it stops rising or begins to fall, that's the signal that it's running low on food and needs another feeding.

Don't worry about precision here either. Sometimes, due to our busy lives, we feed it when it's dropped back to its original level - which is OK too!

Maintaining the Starter:

Repeat this routine as long as you want your starter ready for baking. If you're not actively baking, store your starter in the fridge. This will preserve it without the need for frequent feeding.

My personal schedule is quite consistent: I take my starter out on Fridays, give it a good feed, and then bake when it's ready. By Monday or Tuesday, I put it back in the fridge until my next baking venture. Weekdays can be a whirlwind, so the fridge is a lifesaver.

Knowing When It's Time to Bake:

Your starter will be primed for baking when it has risen and displays those classic sourdough bubbles on top and along the sides.

Sourdough baking doesn't have to be intimidating or complicated. Let's come together to prove just how easy and satisfying it can be!