You purchased dehydrated sourdough starter or were gifted some...now what? Follow these simple steps
Pour 10-15 grams of dehydrated starter into a large clean glass jar.
Add equal quantity of warm filtered water and mix thoroughly, small chunks are okay.
*Do not use city tap water. Water needs to be free of chlorine and fluoride.
Cover jar loosely and let rest on the counter for 3 to 4 hours. If your home is cooler, go for 4 to 5 hours.
Add 30 grams of warm filtered water and 30 grams of unbleached blead flour. Mix thoroughly. Your starter should have the consistency of pancake batter.
Loosely cover with lid and let sit for 24 hours in a warm* place.
Pour 45 grams of the starter into a clean jar. Discard^ the rest.
Feed the starter 45 grams of room temp filtered water and 45 grams of bread flour. Mix thoroughly and let sit for 24 hours.
Mark your starter height on the outside of your jar to visualize that the starter is active and rising.
Repeat step 3 every 12-24 hours until you are seeing big bubbles all throughout your starter. If it doubles in size within a few hours and has a sourdough smell it is ready to bake with.
You have two choices:
1 - Store your starter on the counter - frequent baker
Pour 20 grams of the starter into a clean jar and discard^ the rest.
Add 50 grams of filtered water and 50 grams of flour and stir well. Cover and let sit on countertop for 24 hours. Repeat every 24-48 hours.
2 - Store your starter in the fridge - Weekly/Monthly baker
Pour 20 grams of starter into a clean jar and discard^ the rest.
Add 50 grams of filtered water and 50 grams of flour and stir well every 5-7 days.
In colder temperatures your starter will go into hibernation, and you do not need to feed it as often.
*70-72 degrees is ideal. If your home is colder you can try putting your starter in the oven (off) with the light on, or in the microwave.
I have found success using a crockpot. While feeding my starter I turn the crockpot on low for 10 minutes with the lid on. Then turn the crockpot off and let it cool for 2-3 minutes before placing your covered jar inside.
^ Discard can be tossed, or it can be used to make delicious tortillas, crackers, pancakes, and more.