Sourdough starter is a living organism that requires proper care and attention to thrive. With the right conditions and regular feedings, you can maintain sourdough starter that will produce delicious and flavorful bread. In this article, we’ll discuss the basics of sourdough starter maintenance and provide some tips on how to keep your starter healthy.
Guide to Maintain Sourdough Starter
What is a Sourdough Starter?

A sourdough starter is a mixture of flour and water that has been fermented with naturally occurring wild yeast and bacteria. This mixture can be used to leaven bread dough, giving it its characteristic tangy flavor and chewy texture. Sourdough starter is also commonly referred to as “wild yeast” or “levain”.
Why Maintain a Sourdough Starter?
Maintaining a sourdough starter is essential for ensuring that it remains healthy and active. Neglecting your starter can cause it to lose its potency and develop harmful bacteria that can ruin your bread. A well-maintained sourdough starter will help your bread rise properly, have a great texture, and develop a delicious flavor.
How to Maintain a Sourdough Starter
Keep it at Room Temperature
Sourdough starter thrives in warm temperatures between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C). Keep your sourdough starter at room temperature and away from direct sunlight or drafts. Avoid storing it in the fridge, as this can slow down the fermentation process.
Feed it Regularly
To keep your sourdough starter healthy, you should feed it regularly. Feed your starter with equal parts flour and water, by weight, every 12 to 24 hours. For example, if you have 50 grams of starter, feed it with 50 grams of flour and 50 grams of water. Discard half of your starter before each feeding to prevent it from growing too large.
Use the Right Flour
The type of flour you use can affect the health of your sourdough starter. It’s best to use unbleached all-purpose or bread flour, as these contain more natural yeasts and bacteria. Avoid using whole wheat or rye flour, as they can make your starter more acidic and difficult to maintain.
Keep it Clean
Maintaining a clean workspace is essential for keeping your sourdough starter healthy. Use a clean jar or container to store your starter, and clean it regularly with hot, soapy water. Avoid using metal utensils or containers, as these can react with the acids in the starter and affect its flavor.
Troubleshooting
If your sourdough starter starts to smell sour or develop a layer of liquid on top, this may indicate that it needs to be fed more frequently or that it’s too warm. If your starter develops a gray or pinkish color, this may indicate that it has been contaminated with harmful bacteria and needs to be discarded.
Maintaining a sourdough starter can seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice and patience, it can become a rewarding and enjoyable process. By following these tips, you can keep your sourdough starter healthy and active, and produce delicious bread with a unique flavor and texture.
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