How Do I Keep My Sourdough Starter Alive?

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Hi Bold Bakers! I’m Gemma Stafford, a professional chef originally from Ireland, and the host of Bigger Bolder Baking. I’m passionate about sharing my years of baking expertise to show you how to bake with confidence anytime, anywhere! Join millions of other Bold Bakers in the community for new videos at 8:30am Pacific Time every Thursday!

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#sourdough #sourdoughstarter #breadmaking

[renukakarmarkar]

The 2nd day liquid in top is called Hooch.. it's a sign that your starter needs to be fed! If you see Hooch at any point.. feed it more frequently. If you're doing it every 24 hrs.. would be a good idea to go to 12 hrs feeding..

[leal]

Gemma - you can also make a starter using an organic, unwashed apple, potato or other fruits. The way you do it is: take an organic unwashed apple (preferably from your own tree) and chop it up. Put the apple (core, peel and all) in a clean quart jar and pour untreated water over it until the apple pieces are completely covered. Cover the jar with a paper coffee filter and rubber band. Let it sit on the counter and when it is very cloudy, you want to decant the water - this has the yeast in it. So, strain the contents of the jar saving the water and dispose/compost the apple pieces. Using this water, combine equal amounts of the apple yeast water and flour - your choice of white unbleached or whole wheat. Mix the same as you did in the video. Make a mark on the jar at the level of the mixture and cover with a coffee filter. Leave sit on the counter until it has doubled in size. Feed it as you showed in the video. It is ready to use in 4-5 days.

The only thing that I noticed using the apple water for starter is that the first few uses tended to have a slightly sweeter taste than with just flour/water starter. After feeding it a few times, that sweeter taste went away. I have a starter I made this way 4 years ago. I just have to always remember to feed my baby once a week. Also, my daughter has a starter taken from this starter!! She makes a loaf of bread with it every other day for her family so it gets fed more often than I feed mine!

[adaode]

You don't have to discard the excess! Make pancakes wit it, or just fry it as is with spices on top - it's really good!

[aislinngraves]

So happy to see this since one of the items that has been consistently out of stock in my neck of the woods is yeast!

[Lekcjewkuchni]

I love baking with sourdough starter, pure magic! I like to freeze mine, it is such a nice tip, when someone is not baking so often! I cover mine with a piece of paper towel and put a hairband on it, so it is covered more loosely than with the lid.:)

[DeadliciousCookingStudio]

Hey! Gem, I really appreciate that you take the time to explain things most people take for granted.

[kristalcuthill]

I am on day 4 of my starter, and so far he's a really happy little guy 😄
My husband suggested naming it Dave, after a hilarious story called Dave and the Sourdough Starter by a great Canadian storyteller, Stuart McLean.
I have really been missing the taste of sourdough, and can't wait to start baking with Dave! 😄

[JadeyB]

So happy with this, especially with the current situation your channel has become a huge part of my sanity. I have been using many of your recipes for flour, cookies and pancakes for years now and just had to say I love what you do and this is one I look forward to doing, might even let my children too.

[brucesnyder]

My starter has been alive for 3 months now. After seeing this video I was hooked. I use rye flour to feed it and it triples in about 6 hours. It is very strong. Thanks for giving me another addiction Gemma lol

[peacebbb]

Thank you for sharing. Quick tip if you don't mind. If you want a quick sourdough starter you add a date or a slice of apple inside the mixture. And you can use it in day 2 or 3.

[leaspeer]

There’s Someone in our family has part of a starter that’s 100yrs old. We lost track of who has it. You can take part and give it to someone and they just have to keep feeding it.

[AussieAngeS]

This is perfect timing as I want to make a starter but I didn’t know where to start, now I know what to do and I printed out your instructions for it too, thanks Gemma.i was always told to not put it in a tight sealed jar, the lid needs some breather holes in it to expel some gas. Have you heard this?

[carlajcs]

Instead of disposing when it is fed, couldn't you put it in another jar and feed it. That way you could share with family and friends.

[shirlc]

I’m so happy you are teaching this! You make this seem very simple. Most instructions seem very complicated, and lots to throw away. I believe I can retain this information, thank you so much.

[notyourstereotype]

This video is the easiest sourdough starter I have seen. I have watched so many videos about this and I was still unsure since it seemed so complicated. Thank you for sharing I have more confidence in trying again since the last starter I made didn't turn out well.

[sunshinebakery_melinda]

My middle son and I were just talking about sourdoughs and the starter you have to use to make it and POOF you have this! That’s so awesome. Now it actually don’t seem that intimidating to do. A bit of a process but not intimidating. Thanks for sharing

[veevee]

When it comes to sourdough starter making, I have not been successful. I really want to try again but feel i need to see what, besides bread, I can make with a starter before investing time in a starter.
Thanks for sharing this encouraging video, Gemma. 👍

[janetwhite]

This is the best!! Was so scared to start a starter and you made is simple!! Love this and the bread recipe! Yummy!! Thank you!!

[patf]

Thank you, Gemma! I took your advice, and produced a starter that was active and strong in seven days! I used your sourdough bread recipe, and was thrilled with the result! Your videos are so helpful, I felt I was standing right next to you, and your instructions are simple yet complete. I have a second batch rising as I write this, and at 12 hours, it looks beautiful.

[Giftfolktales]

I love it when you teach about baking.