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The Ultimate No-Fail Guide: How to Make and Maintain an Active Sourdough Starter from Scratch

A bubbly, active sourdough starter filling a clear glass jar, sitting on a white marble surface near a window.
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Welcome! This guide shows you how to create a healthy, active sourdough starter using only flour and water. We break down the day-by-day process so you can begin your artisan bread baking journey with confidence.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 100g Whole Grain Flour (Rye or Whole Wheat recommended for initial mix)
  • 100g Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
  • 100g Unchlorinated Water (room temperature)

Instructions

  1. Day 1: Mix 50g of whole grain flour and 50g of water in a clean glass jar. Stir until fully combined. Cover loosely and let it sit at room temperature (68-75°F) for 24 hours.
  2. Day 2: Discard half of the mixture. Add 50g of all-purpose flour and 50g of water to the remaining starter. Mix well, cover loosely, and wait 24 hours.
  3. Day 3: You may see some small bubbles. Discard half. Feed with 50g all-purpose flour and 50g water. Wait 24 hours.
  4. Day 4: You should see more activity. Discard half. Feed with 50g all-purpose flour and 50g water. Wait 24 hours.
  5. Day 5: If the starter is doubling in size within 12 hours, switch to a twice-daily feeding schedule (every 12 hours). Discard half, then feed with 50g all-purpose flour and 50g water.
  6. Day 6 & 7: Continue twice-daily feedings. The starter is ready when it consistently doubles in size 4-8 hours after feeding and smells pleasantly sour. This is your healthy sourdough starter, ready for baking.

Notes

  • Use a clear jar so you can watch the rise and fall of your starter.
  • If your kitchen is cool, fermentation will slow down. Keep the jar in a warmer spot, like near a pilot light or on top of the refrigerator.
  • Once active, you can switch to a maintenance feeding schedule of once every 7 days if storing it in the refrigerator. Feed it the day before you plan to bake.
  • If you see dark liquid (hooch) on top, stir it in or pour it off, then feed the starter immediately.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/sourdough-starter-guide-from-scratch/