Activating Your Dried Sourdough Starter

So, you’ve picked up a packet of dried sourdough starter from my farmer’s stand—thank you! You’re now just a few steps away from baking your own delicious, homemade sourdough bread. Let’s get your starter activated and thriving!

What You’ll Need:

• Your dried sourdough starter

• Unbleached all-purpose flour or bread flour

• Filtered water (room temperature)

• A clean jar or bowl (with an airtight lid to store your starter)

• A spoon or small spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Day 1: Wake Up Your Starter

1. Mix: In a jar or bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of the dried starter with 2 tablespoons of filtered water. Stir well to ensure the starter is fully hydrated.

2. Rest: Let it sit at room temperature (70–75°F is ideal) for 3–4 hours. The mixture will begin to look gooey as the starter absorbs the water.

3. Feed: Add 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 tablespoons of water to the jar. Stir until smooth.

4. Cover: Loosely cover the jar with a lid or cloth to allow airflow while keeping out dust.

Day 2–4: Feeding Time

1. Every 12 hours, discard half of the mixture (about 2 tablespoons).

2. Add 2 tablespoons of flour and 2 tablespoons of water to the remaining starter. Stir until smooth.

By Day 3 or 4, you should start seeing bubbles and notice a tangy, yeasty aroma—this means your starter is alive and thriving!

Day 5: Ready to Bake

Once your starter has doubled in size 4–6 hours after feeding, it’s active and ready for baking! If you’re not baking right away, store it in the fridge and feed it weekly to keep it healthy.

Tips for Success

• Use filtered or spring water to avoid chlorine, which can inhibit growth.

• Keep your starter in a warm, stable environment; if your kitchen is cold, place it in a warmer spot like the top of your fridge.

• Be patient! Some starters may take longer to activate depending on conditions.

Why Use a Sourdough Starter?

Sourdough is full of flavor, texture, and history. It’s not just bread—it’s a connection to the past and a celebration of natural fermentation. Plus, it’s great for your gut health!

I hope you enjoy bringing this little starter to life and baking something incredible. If you have questions or want to share your sourdough success, tag me on social media! Happy baking!

@RoyalTRanch