How to Make a Sourdough Starter from Scratch

Making a sourdough starter is easy. You only need flour, water, and time. Follow these simple steps to create a strong, bubbly starter for baking fresh sourdough bread.

What You Need

• Flour – Use stone milled whole wheat or rye flour for the best results.
• Water – Filtered or dechlorinated water is best.
• A Jar – A clean glass jar with a loose lid or cloth cover.
• A Spoon – For mixing.

Step 1: Mix Flour and Water

In your jar, mix 50g of flour and 50g of water. Stir well until smooth. Cover loosely and leave at room temperature.

Step 2: Feed Every Day

Each day, remove half of the starter and add 50g of flour and 50g of water. Stir and cover again.

Step 3: Wait and Watch

After a few days, bubbles will form. This means wild yeast is growing. Keep feeding it daily.

Step 4: Check for Readiness

After 5–7 days, your starter should be bubbly and have a tangy smell. Drop a small spoonful in water—if it floats, it’s ready to use.

Tips for Success

• Keep your jar in a warm spot (20-25°C).
• If you see liquid on top, stir it in or pour it off.
• Don’t use metal containers, as they can affect the yeast.

Now you have a homemade sourdough starter! Use it to bake fresh, tangy sourdough bread. Keep feeding it, and it will last for years.

Happy baking!

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