Care and Feeding of your Sourdough Starter

In this video I demonstrate caring for your sourdough starter. 

Feeding your sourdough starter involves refreshing the natural yeast and bacteria in your starter to keep it active and healthy. By regularly feeding your starter, you ensure that it will be strong enough to leaven your bread and give it that signature sourdough flavor.

To feed your starter, you will need to discard (or split your batch to share with a friend) a portion of it first to make room for fresh flour and water. The ratio of flour to water is typically 1:1, but you can adjust it based on the consistency of your starter, it should be the consistency of pancake mix. Mix the flour and water thoroughly into the starter, cover it loosely, and let it sit at room temperature until it becomes bubbly. Then set in your refrigerator and continue to maintain during the week.

1. Discard some of the waste (watery substance on the top)
2. Add some water
3. Add some flour (1:5 or 1:7 ratio) of wheat flour (1 teaspoon) and bread flour (5-7 teaspoons)
4. Stir to mix in well, the consistency should be like pancake mix (not to thick, not too thin)
5. Let set while yeast begins feeding, then place in your fridge (if you're not prepared to bake, just place starter back in the fridge)

Feeding your starter on a regular schedule, usually once or twice a week, will help maintain its activity and flavor. It's important to observe your starter's behavior and adjust your feeding routine accordingly. With proper care and attention, your sourdough starter will become a reliable companion in your bread-making journey.

• Regularly feeding your sourdough starter is essential for maintaining its activity and flavor.
• Discard or share a portion of your starter before feeding it to make room for fresh flour and water.
• Observe your starter's behavior and adjust your feeding routine as needed.