Table of Contents
Tools
Required
- 1 quart jar
- Long spoon or spatula
Optional
- Proofer
Ingredients
Required
- All Purpose Flour
- Whole Wheat Flour
- Water
Instructions
Day 1
To begin your starter you will need whole wheat flour and water. The culture we are trying to grow loves to feed on the whole wheat and will jumpstart the growth. The yeast we are looking for is also naturally found in whole wheat flours. In the future we will "feed" our starter with all purpose (AP) flour.
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup cool water
Mix and fully incorporate the the flour and water in your jar. Make sure the container you use is large enough because the starter will grow. Cover the containter loosely. NEVER close the lid on your jar, you’ll trap all the gases and create a dangerous object. You can just place the lid on top of the jar.
Now leave the starter for about 24 hours. If you have a proofer, set it to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and leave the starter in there. If you don't have a proofer, don't worry about it.
Day 2
- 4 ounces of starter (~1/2 cup)
- 1 cup of AP flour
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
It may not look like much is happening in your jar but trust me there's a whole lot of action going on. On the other hand, you may see some bubbling and growth, good for you. In either case, throw out half the starter so you're left with about 1/2 a cup. Add your AP flour and water.
Mix it all up so you have no dry clumps, cover, and let it rest for another 24 hours.
Day 3
- 4 ounces of starter (~1/2 cup)
- 1 cup of AP flour
- 1/2 cup lukewarm water
Now you may see some action happening in your jar. If not, don't worry. Maybe your kitchen is a little cool cause its winter or you just blast the AC. In either case, throw out half the starter so you're left with about 1/2 a cup. Add your AP flour and water.
Mix it all up so you have no dry clumps and cover. THIS TIME, you will feed the starter on a 12 hour schedule, instead of 24 hours.
Keep discarding and feeding your starter for 6 days! It'll start to get very bubbly and grow rapidly. To slow down the growth, use cool water when you feed. Your starter will be ready to bake once your take a bit of it and it floats in water.
If you want to bake with an active starter, feed it and then wait about 4-5 hours before adding it to your recipe.
Day 6
Now your starter should be active and ready to go. If it seems like it isn't growing quickly or isn't bubbly give it another day or two and use warm water.