How to make Yeast aka Sourdough Starter

User Reviews

5.0

3 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    10 mins

  • Cook Time

    10 mins

  • Additional Time

    7 d

  • Total Time

    7 d 20 mins

  • Servings

    10

  • Calories

    160 kcal

  • Course

    Condiments

  • Cuisine

    American

How to make Yeast aka Sourdough Starter

Making sourdough starter at home is so much easier than you imagine. A batch of starter only takes 7 to 14 days, perfect when you don't have yeast.

I Made This!

Be the first!

Save this

Be the first!

Ingredients

Servings

Day One

  • 4 oz rye flour can use wheat or white. ** See notes in post.
  • 6 oz dechlorinated water see notes in post to make your own.

Day Two

  • 4 oz rye flour
  • 4 oz dechlorinated water

Day 3

  • 4 oz rye flour
  • 4 oz dechlorinated water

Day 4 and beyond

  • 4 oz flour use any flour ** See notes
  • 4 oz dechlorinated water
Add to Shopping List

Instructions

Day one

  1. Mix flour and water in a container that holds about one quart. Food grade plastic, or glass is best. Loosely cover with plastic wrap. Place in a warm area of the house (like the top of refrigerator) for 24 hours. Place kitchen towel over container to eliminate light.

Day Two

  1. Discard half of the starter. Add 4 oz of flour and 4 oz of water to the container with the remaining starter. Mix well, so that there are no dry spots. Re-wrap with plastic and kitchen towel. Let grow another 24 hours.

Day 3

  1. Repeat steps from day 2.

Day 4 and beyond

  1. After 3 days, when yeast becomes bubbly, I transition to white flour. To get the starter going faster, use half rye flour and half white flour. After a few days using half and half, you can go to all white flour. Continue step 2 daily, if storing at room temperature.

Notes

  • To easily dechlorinate tap water, place in pan and low boil, uncovered for about 15 minutes. Let cool. Store in bottle at room temperature. 
  • Use only unbleached flours for your starter.
  • You can start with white flour, just be aware that the yeast will take longer to become active. Typically 14 to 21 days.
  • Weights are a more accurate measurement than volume, in this case. Buy a cheap kitchen scale. 
  • For long term storage, without feeding, you can refrigerate, freeze or dry the yeast. See article section "Long term storage"
  • Yeast is more forgiving than commonly believed. If you miss a day feeding, just smell starter. It should smell sweet rather than sour. It will usually take several days without feeding for the yeast to smell sour. Continue feeding as usual, if yeast smells sweet.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 160kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 34g (11%) Protein 5g (10%) Fat 1g (2%) Saturated Fat 1g (5%) Sodium 3mg (0%) Potassium 139mg (4%) Fiber 4g (16%) Sugar 1g (2%) Calcium 10mg (1%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 160 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 160kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 34g 11%
Protein 5g 10%
Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 3mg 0%
Potassium 139mg 3%
Fiber 4g 16%
Sugar 1g 2%
Calcium 10mg 1%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

5.0

3 reviews
Excellent

Write a Review

Drag & drop files here or click to upload
Other Recipes

You'll Also Love

Vegan Tuna Mayo (aka tuna salad) Sandwich

American, International
5.0 (126 reviews)

Candied Jalapeños (aka Cowboy Candy)

American
5.0 (6 reviews)

Sourdough Breadcrumbs

American
5.0 (3 reviews)

How to Make Honey Sriracha Butter

American
4.6 (39 reviews)

How to Make Chick Fil A Sauce

American
(0 reviews)

How to make Chocolate Frosting

American
5.0 (9 reviews)

How to make Gravy from Scratch

American
5.0 (9 reviews)

How to make Vegetable Stock

American
5.0 (3 reviews)

Make Ahead Turkey Gravy

American
5.0 (12 reviews)

How to make Almond Butter

American
5.0 (33 reviews)

How to make White Sauce (Bechamel Sauce)

French, Italian, American
5.0 (3 reviews)

How to Make Salad Dressing

American
5.0 (165 reviews)