Macalicious baking school
Starter Care: Keep It for Life
A sourdough starter is a living culture of wild yeast and friendly bacteria. Regular feeding gives it fresh flour and water so it can stay active for future bakes.
The simple starter rhythm
Feed
Add flour and water in the amounts shown in the app. This gives the culture fresh food.
Watch
Look for bubbles, growth, and a pleasantly fermented aroma. Temperature affects how quickly these signs appear.
Bake or store
Use the starter when it is active, or follow the app’s refrigeration guidance when you are taking a break.
Keeping your starter happy
- Use a clean container and clean utensils.
- Follow the feeding amounts and timing in the guided app.
- Mark the starter’s level after feeding so growth is easier to see.
- Keep it away from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
- Do not seal an actively fermenting starter in a container that cannot safely release pressure.
What “discard” means
Before some feedings, you remove part of the starter so the remaining culture can be fed in a manageable proportion. That removed portion is called discard. It can often be used in recipes designed specifically for sourdough discard.
When is starter ready to bake with?
An active starter generally shows visible bubbles and reliable growth after feeding. Use Adele’s video examples and the instructions for your current app step rather than relying on the clock alone.
Taking a break
If you are not baking frequently, refrigeration can slow the culture down. Before your next bake, the starter may need one or more room-temperature feedings to become lively again. Follow the current app guidance for timing and amounts.