Sourdough starter, step by step
Just flour, water and a little patience. I'll take you from your first mix to feeding and keeping a starter, and how to use it for bread and other recipes.
Who it is for
If you want to bake sourdough but don't have a starter yet, start here. No baking experience needed.
What you'll learn
- What a starter is and how it helps bread rise.
- What you need, and how to mix flour and water on day one.
- How to feed your starter and watch for bubbles and growth.
- How to judge when it is ready to use.
- How to keep, store and dry a little as a backup.
What you need
Whole wheat or rye flour, water, a jar or plastic container with a lid, a digital kitchen scale, a spoon, a label, and a rubber band or marker.
Questions before you start
How long does it take?
The course follows a seven-day schedule, with about five minutes of work most days. Your starter may take longer. Temperature and the starter itself make a difference, so watch the jar, not just the calendar.
Do I need to buy yeast?
No commercial or artificial yeast. We make our own from flour and water.
Do I have to feed it every day forever?
No. Once it is active, you can keep it in the fridge. In the course, I show you how to feed it weekly and prepare it for baking.
Do I need an account?
You can read this page and the course overview without signing in.