We are back in Europe! The first order of business: get my new sourdough starter going. This will be the last time I start my own sourdough starter from scratch again – at least for some years. Read on to find out my super simple way to kick off the fermentation process, the ingredients you’ll need, and what the best sourdough starter jar is.

My intention is to recreate a sourdough starter just as powerful here in Europe. And to help you make one just like that too!

How does sourdough starter fermentation work? 

The organic acids produced during fermentation contribute to the distinctive tangy flavor of sourdough bread. These acids also help to create a hospitable environment that inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. This contributes to the extended shelf life of sourdough bread compared to bread made with commercial yeast.

What do you need to do to maintain your starter?

Daily feeding and maintenance are crucial for an active sourdough starter. It involves discarding a portion of the starter to control its size, replenishing it with fresh flour and water, and allowing it to ferment at room temperature. Observation of bubbles, rise, and aroma helps ensure its health. Consistency in daily feeding promotes the growth and activity of the microorganisms. We will go into each step involved later on.

What you need to make your First Sourdough Starter

Luckily, the ingredients for this one are super simple. You will need flour of choice, water, and a sourdough starter jar. That’s it!

What is the best sourdough starter jar? 

Choosing the best containers is essential for maintaining a healthy sourdough starter. Here’s a short explanation of why:

 

1. Breathability: The right container allows the starter to “breathe” by allowing air exchange. This helps prevent the accumulation of carbon dioxide gas produced during fermentation, which can negatively impact the starter’s health.
2. Protection from Contaminants: A proper container protects the starter from external contaminants, such as dust or insects, which can introduce unwanted microorganisms and hinder the development of a healthy microbial community.
3. Temperature Regulation: The right container can help regulate temperature during fermentation. Some containers offer insulation or are made of materials that help maintain a stable temperature, which is crucial for optimal microbial growth and fermentation activity.
4. Easy Observation: A transparent or clear container enables easy observation of the starter’s activity, allowing you to monitor its growth, bubbles, and rise. This helps in assessing the starter’s health and readiness for use in baking.
5. Size and Space: The container should provide enough space for the starter to expand during fermentation. Choosing an appropriately sized container prevents overflow and mess during the fermentation process.

Most of all, it comes down to personal preference and the size of your starter. If you have a very large family, definitely use a large sourdough starter jar.  But if you’re making sourdough just for yourself, you won’t need much starter, and smaller sourdough starter jars are perfect. And if you’re not sure, just follow along with me. You can always adjust the amount and the sourdough starter jar you’re using later on.

Plastic Jars

Plastic containers are one of the options for your sourdough starter storage.

Pros of using plastic containers for sourdough starter:

1. Cost-effective: Plastic containers are generally more affordable than other container options, making them a budget-friendly choice for home bakers.
2. Lightweight and Portable: Plastic containers are lightweight and easy to transport, which can be convenient if you need to take your starter with you or move it to different locations.
3. Durability: Plastic containers are typically durable and resistant to breakage, which means they are less likely to shatter if accidentally dropped or mishandled.
4. Visibility: Clear plastic containers allow for easy visual monitoring of the starter’s activity and growth, enabling you to observe bubbles and rise.

Cons of using plastic containers for sourdough starter:

1. Breathability: Plastic containers are not as breathable as other materials, which can restrict air exchange and potentially affect the fermentation process.
2. Potential for Off-flavors: Some plastic containers may retain odors or flavors from previous use, which could transfer to the starter and impact its flavor.
3. Reactivity: Certain types of plastic containers may react with acidic substances, such as the organic acids produced during fermentation, potentially leaching unwanted chemicals into the starter.
4. Long-term Sustainability: Plastic is not biodegradable and can contribute to environmental pollution if not properly disposed of or recycled.

I personally never choose to use a plastic sourdough starter jar. The cons in this case outweigh the pros for me. If you do end up choosing to use a plastic container, make sure you are using a high quality BPA Free, food-grade plastic container.

Glass containers

The second option for storing your sourdough starter are glass containers.

PROS OF USING GLASS FOR YOUR SOURDOUGH STARTER JAR:

1. Breathability: Glass jars allow for better air circulation compared to plastic containers, promoting a healthier fermentation process by enabling proper gas exchange.
2. Non-reactive: Glass is non-reactive, meaning it does not interact with acidic substances or affect the flavor or quality of the sourdough starter. It preserves the integrity of the starter and its natural flavors.
3. Visibility: Clear glass jars provide excellent visibility, allowing you to easily monitor the activity, bubbles, and rise of the sourdough starter. This helps in assessing its health and readiness for use.
4. Easy Cleaning: Glass is easy to clean and sanitize, ensuring a hygienic environment for the starter. It does not retain odors or flavors from previous use, allowing for a fresh start with each feeding.
5. Environmentally Friendly: Glass is a recyclable and eco-friendly material, making it a sustainable choice for those concerned about minimizing their environmental impact.

CONS OF USING A GLASS SOURDOUGH STARTER JAR:

1. Fragility: Glass jars are more fragile than plastic containers and can break if mishandled or dropped. Care must be taken when handling and storing them to avoid accidents.
2. Weight: Glass jars are heavier than plastic containers, which may be inconvenient if you need to transport or move the starter frequently.
3. Cost: Glass jars can be more expensive than plastic containers, particularly if you opt for high-quality or specialty glass jars.
4. Limited Portability: Glass jars are less portable than plastic containers due to their weight and fragility. They are better suited for stationary storage rather than frequent transportation.

For me, I always make my sourdough starter in a glass container. The pros massively outweigh the cons for me. I love the feel of glass, and how easy it is to clean it.

Types of Glass Containers 

When it comes to storing your sourdough starter in glass containers, you have a variety of sizes and types to choose from.

1. Regular Mouth Jars: Regular mouth glass jars, such as mason jars, are a popular choice for a sourdough starter jar. They come in various sizes, ranging from small (4 ounces) to large (32 ounces or more). These jars have a narrower opening, which can be advantageous for maintaining a smaller starter and preventing excessive air exposure.
2. Wide-Mouth Jars: A Wide-mouth jar is my favorite option. I love those because it’s easy to get the flour & water in and the starter out. Using wide-mouth glass jars minimizes the amount of mess you create when feeding your starter – a big plus in my book! Wide-mouth jars are available in different sizes, including pint (16 ounces), quart (32 ounces), and larger capacities. They offer convenience during feeding and maintenance, especially if you have a larger quantity of starters.
3. Clear Glass Containers: Clear glass containers allow for easy monitoring of your sourdough starter’s activity. They provide a clear view of the bubbles, rise, and overall health of the starter. Clear containers come in various shapes and sizes, including jars with straight sides or those with curved base for easier pouring.
4. Glass Jars with Rubber Gasket Seal: Some glass containers come with a rubber gasket seal and a metal clamp or wire closure. These jars provide an airtight seal, which can be beneficial for reducing air exposure and maintaining a more controlled fermentation environment.
5. Glass Weck Jars: Weck jars are distinctive glass containers with a glass lid and rubber seal. They come in various shapes and sizes, such as cylindrical, tapered, and tulip shapes. Weck jars offer an elegant and stylish option for storing sourdough starter, and their airtight seal helps preserve freshness.

Basic guidelines for using clear containers 

When using a clear type of container for your sourdough starter, here are some recommended guidelines to ensure effective storage and monitoring:

1. Choose a Clear Container: Opt for a clear sourdough starter jar or container that allows you to easily see through its walls. This transparency will enable you to observe the activity, bubbles, and rise of your sourdough starter without the need to open the container frequently.
2. Maintain Cleanliness: Ensure your clear container is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before transferring the starter into it. Any residue or contaminants may interfere with the starter’s health and fermentation process.
3. Avoid Prolonged Exposure to Light: While clear containers provide visibility, it’s important to protect your sourdough starter from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or bright artificial light. Light can degrade the quality of the starter and affect its microbial balance. Store the clear container in a shaded or darker area when not observing or feeding the starter.
4. Monitor Starter Activity: Take advantage of the clear container to closely monitor your starter’s activity. Observe the development of bubbles, rise, and any changes in appearance. This visual feedback will help you assess the vitality and readiness of the starter for baking.
5. Minimize Air Exposure: Clear containers may offer less protection against air exposure compared to containers with airtight seals. To minimize the impact of air exposure, consider covering the clear container with a breathable cloth or using a loose-fitting lid that still allows some airflow while protecting the starter from contaminants.
6. Keep Track of Feeding Schedule: Clear containers make it easy to track the feeding schedule of your sourdough starter. Mark the level of the starter after feeding, so you can easily observe how much it rises during fermentation. This helps you determine the starter’s growth and feeding patterns.

Importance of easy cleaning for maintaining starter health

Whatever container you end up going with, it is very important that is is easy to clean. After you feed your starter on a regular basis, the sourdough starter jar will start accumulating gunk on the top and sides. It is important to wash it regularly, to prevent unwanted mold or other contamination. For this reason, I usually keep two jars on hand. One clean jar, and one that is housing my active starter.  That way I can wash one – it usually needs to soak for quite some time. And transfer my starter to the other.

How to make your first sourdough starter

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup water (non-chlorinated/filtered)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour

Instructions:

Day 1: In a clean glass or plastic container, mix 1/2 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of water until well combined. The mixture should have the consistency of a thick pancake batter. Cover loosely with a cloth and a rubber band or plastic wrap. This will allow air to enter but will keep contaminants and fruit flies out.

Days 2-7: Once a day, discard about half of the starter (or transfer it to another container for later use) and add 1/2 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of water to the remaining starter. Stir well to combine. This daily feeding helps establish and strengthen the starter by providing fresh nutrients for the yeast and bacteria to feed on.

Watch for Activity: As the days progress, you should start to see signs of fermentation, such as bubbles forming and the mixture becomes frothy. This indicates that the natural yeast and bacteria in the environment are colonizing and fermenting the starter. You can place a rubber band on the outside of the jar to mark the level of your starter at the beginning of the fermentation window, and to see how much it has risen by the next feeding.

Establishing a Routine: By around day 7, your sourdough starter should be active and ready to use. It should have a pleasant sour smell, be bubbly, and double in size within a few hours after feeding. You can now start using the starter for baking or continue to maintain it with regular feedings.

Note: The time it takes to develop a mature and fully active sourdough starter can vary depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the natural yeast and bacteria present in your environment. Be patient and allow the process to unfold naturally.

Where do you place your starter? 

A warm place is significant for sourdough starter storage due to several reasons.

• It promotes optimal microbial activity and fermentation, resulting in a more vigorous rise and consistent results.
• The warm temperature accelerates fermentation, reducing proofing time and enhancing flavor development.
• Consistency in fermentation is achieved in a warm environment, ensuring a predictable process.
• A warm place strengthens the starter by encouraging the growth of beneficial microorganisms and inhibiting unwanted ones.
• It expedites the activation of new starters by stimulating the growth of wild yeast and bacteria. However, it’s important to maintain the optimal temperature range (around 70-75°F or 21-24°C) to avoid extremes that can disrupt fermentation or inhibit microbial growth.

Here is a list of good places in a home to store your sourdough starter:

Kitchen Counter: The kitchen counter is a good option for storing your sourdough starter, especially if you use it regularly. Just ensure that the counter is not in direct sunlight or near a heat source that could cause temperature fluctuations.

Pantry: A pantry provides a dark and cool environment, which can be beneficial for maintaining a consistent temperature for your sourdough starter. Choose a spot away from strong odors or chemicals that could potentially impact the starter.

Cupboard or Cabinet: Storing your sourdough starter in a cupboard or cabinet protects from light and temperature variations. Make sure the area is well-ventilated and not exposed to excessive heat from nearby appliances.

Oven (turned off): When the oven is turned off, it can serve as a warm and draft-free spot for your sourdough starter. However, be cautious and double-check that no one accidentally turns on the oven while the starter is inside.

Microwave: If your microwave is not frequently used, it can provide a warm and enclosed space for your sourdough starter. Just remember to remove it before using the microwave.

Proofing Box: If you have a proofing box or a dedicated temperature-controlled fermentation chamber, it can be an excellent place for storing your sourdough starter. These boxes allow you to maintain a consistent and controlled temperature for optimal fermentation.

Good luck with your sourdough adventures!