How to make a sourdough starter

Interested in making a sourdough bread? It all begins with a healthy sourdough starter. Here you will find out how easy it is to make your own.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bread flour
• glass bowl or container
• water

1. To make a great sourdough bread you have to start off with a healthy sourdough starter. Essentially sourdough starter is equal parts water and bread flour allowed to sit out at room temperature allowing the wild yeasts and bacteria to colonize the dough. Once established a sourdough starter can be kept alive for years.

2. Begin by mixing equal parts bread flour and either distilled or filtered water. Store the mixture at room temperature in a glass container with a loose fitting lid or a paper towel drapped over the top and secured with a rubber band.

3. It takes a few days for the starter to establish itself. While it is being establised it must be "fed" everyday by adding equal parts flour and water to the starter. After a few days you may notice small bubbles. Once it is bubbling it is ready to use. There may be water on top of the mix, this is fine just stir it in the batter before use.

Tips & Warnings

• To store your starter refridgerate it and feed once weekly as maintainance.
• If there is discoloration or if any mold colonies appear discard the starter and try again.