Are you tired of store-bought bread that tastes bland and lacks nutrition (not to mention full of ingredients you can't even pronounce)? If so, sourdough starter is the answer! Sourdough bread is full of flavor and has numerous health benefits compared to bread from the store. And, with a little bit of patience and care, you can make your own sourdough starter and bake amazing loaves of bread. In this beginner’s guide, you'll learn how to make your own starter from scratch, or how to care for your dehydrated starter after rehydrating it, and how to use it to make delicious sourdough bread and other delicious baked goods. So let's get started and dive into the wonderful world of sourdough baking!
What is Sourdough?
Sourdough is a type of bread that is made using a natural fermentation process. Unlike regular bread that uses commercial yeast, sourdough is made by mixing flour and water together and allowing it to ferment over time. This fermentation process creates a sour taste in the bread, hence the name "sourdough." The unique flavor of sourdough comes from the wild yeasts and bacteria present in the environment, which help to break down the carbohydrates in the flour and produce carbon dioxide, giving the bread its signature air pockets and chewy texture. Sourdough bread is not only delicious, but it also offers numerous health benefits, such as improved digestion, increased nutrient absorption, and a lower glycemic index compared to store-bought bread.
Benefits of Making Sourdough
Sourdough bread isn't just delicious, it's also incredibly beneficial for your health. Making your own sourdough starter and baking your own bread allows you to have full control over the ingredients, ensuring that you're eating a healthier and more nutritious loaf. Sourdough bread has a lower glycemic index than store-bought bread, meaning it won't cause your blood sugar to spike. It's also easier to digest, thanks to the natural fermentation process. Plus, with all the wild yeasts and bacteria present in sourdough, you'll be adding beneficial probiotics to your diet. So why settle for bland, store-bought bread when you can enjoy the flavorful and healthful benefits of homemade sourdough?
Making Your Own Starter
Making your own sourdough starter is not only fun, but it also allows you to have complete control over the fermentation process and flavor development of your bread. To start, you'll need a few simple ingredients: flour and water. Mix equal parts of flour and water in a glass jar or container and stir until well combined. Cover the jar with a breathable material like cheesecloth or a kitchen towel and let it sit at room temperature for about 24 hours. I like to use a mixture of whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour.
After 24 hours, you may notice some bubbles forming on the surface of the mixture. This is a sign that fermentation has begun. Discard about half of the mixture and feed it with equal parts of flour and water. Repeat this process every 24 hours, discarding and feeding, for about 5-7 days or until the mixture is bubbly, has a pleasant sour smell, and has doubled in size.
Once your starter is active and lively, you can begin using it to bake sourdough bread. Remember to always keep a small amount of your starter aside and feed it regularly to maintain its strength and activity. With a little patience and care, you'll soon be enjoying delicious homemade sourdough bread that you made with your very own starter!
Some people opt to buy a dehydrated starter and rehydrate it to make the fermentation process go faster. If you chose to go this route make sure to follow the directions included with the starter you purchased on how to rehydrate your starter correctly.
Caring For Your Starter
Once you've successfully created your sourdough starter, it's important to know how to care for it to keep it strong and active. To maintain the health of your starter, make sure to feed it regularly by discarding half and adding equal parts of flour and water. When I care for mine I chose to feed it in a 1:1:1 ratio. This means I use equal weights of starter, flour, and water. Keeping it at room temperature will encourage fermentation and activity. If you don't plan on using your starter for a while, you can store it in the refrigerator and feed it once a week. Remember, your starter is like a living organism that needs love and attention, so make sure to give it the care it deserves!
Baking With Sourdough
Now that you have your vibrant and active sourdough starter, it's time to put it to work and start baking! With sourdough, the possibilities are endless. You can use your starter to make delicious loaves of bread with a beautiful crust and airy crumb. And don't stop at bread - your starter can also be used to make bagels, cookies, and even pasta! The tangy flavor and unique texture of sourdough will elevate your baked goods to a whole new level. So get creative in the kitchen and let your sourdough starter work its magic!
Recipes!
Be sure to stay tuned for delicious sourdough recipes on our page as our family makes the switch to more healthy choices starting with getting rid of store bought bread. Why eat all those preservatives and chemicals when you can easily make your own bread!