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From Novice to Expert: 30-Day Sourdough Challenge

Follow our structured 30-day program to master sourdough fundamentals with daily tasks and AI feedback.

SourdoughAI Team
January 5, 2024
4 min read

From Novice to Expert: 30-Day Sourdough Challenge


Ready to transform from a sourdough novice to a confident baker in just 30 days? This structured challenge will build your skills progressively, giving you hands-on experience with every aspect of sourdough baking.


Challenge Overview


**Goal**: Master sourdough fundamentals through daily practice

**Commitment**: 15-30 minutes daily, plus baking days

**Requirements**: Basic kitchen tools, flour, water, salt

**Support**: AI feedback and community guidance through SourdoughAI app


Week 1: Foundation Building (Days 1-7)


Day 1: Start Your Starter

  • Mix 50g whole wheat flour + 50g water
  • Learn about wild yeast and fermentation
  • Set up your baking journal

    • Day 2: First Feeding

  • Observe starter changes (bubbles, smell)
  • Discard and feed routine
  • Temperature monitoring basics

    • Day 3: Understanding Ratios

  • Learn 1:1:1 feeding ratio
  • Practice measuring by weight
  • Track starter activity timing

    • Day 4: Flour Science

  • Switch to bread flour
  • Understand gluten development
  • Practice windowpane test

    • Day 5: Hydration Basics

  • Learn baker's percentages
  • Practice calculating hydration
  • Simple mixing techniques

    • Day 6: Troubleshooting

  • Identify starter problems
  • Adjust feeding schedule
  • Problem-solving strategies

    • Day 7: Week 1 Assessment

  • Evaluate starter health
  • Review your notes
  • Plan Week 2 goals

    • Week 2: Basic Bread Making (Days 8-14)


    Day 8: First Dough

  • Simple sourdough recipe (75% hydration)
  • Autolyse technique
  • Basic mixing methods

    • Day 9: Folding Fundamentals

  • Letter fold technique
  • Coil fold method
  • Building dough strength

    • Day 10: Fermentation Timing

  • Understanding bulk fermentation
  • Poke test mastery
  • Environmental factors

    • Day 11: Shaping Basics

  • Pre-shape technique
  • Bench rest timing
  • Creating surface tension

    • Day 12: Final Proof

  • Banneton preparation
  • Overnight retardation
  • Cold fermentation benefits

    • Day 13: Scoring & Baking

  • Basic scoring patterns
  • Steam generation methods
  • Oven spring science

    • Day 14: First Loaf Evaluation

  • Crumb analysis
  • Flavor assessment
  • Identifying improvements

    • Week 3: Skill Development (Days 15-21)


    Day 15: Advanced Shaping

  • Boule perfection
  • Batard technique
  • Tension building

    • Day 16: Hydration Experiments

  • 70% vs 80% hydration
  • Handling wet doughs
  • Flour absorption rates

    • Day 17: Timing Variations

  • Short vs long fermentation
  • Flavor development
  • Schedule flexibility

    • Day 18: Scoring Artistry

  • Complex patterns
  • Blade angle techniques
  • Decorative scoring

    • Day 19: Whole Grain Integration

  • Adding whole wheat
  • Rye flour experiments
  • Nutrition and flavor

    • Day 20: Problem Solving

  • Dense bread fixes
  • Overproofing recovery
  • Starter troubleshooting

    • Day 21: Mid-Challenge Assessment

  • Skills evaluation
  • Favorite techniques
  • Challenge adjustments

    • Week 4: Mastery & Innovation (Days 22-30)


    Day 22: Recipe Development

  • Create your signature recipe
  • Ingredient experiments
  • Flavor combinations

    • Day 23: Advanced Techniques

  • Lamination methods
  • Inclusions and mix-ins
  • Texture variations

    • Day 24: Seasonal Adaptations

  • Temperature adjustments
  • Humidity considerations
  • Climate-specific tips

    • Day 25: Efficiency Optimization

  • Time management
  • Batch baking
  • Meal planning integration

    • Day 26: Sharing & Teaching

  • Document your process
  • Help other bakers
  • Community engagement

    • Day 27: Specialty Breads

  • Pizza dough applications
  • Focaccia variations
  • Creative shaping

    • Day 28: Professional Techniques

  • Consistency achievement
  • Quality standards
  • Scaling recipes

    • Day 29: Reflection & Planning

  • Review 30-day journey
  • Identify growth areas
  • Set future goals

    • Day 30: Celebration Bake

  • Show off your skills
  • Bake for friends/family
  • Plan continued learning

    • Daily Success Metrics


    Track these elements daily:

  • ✅ Starter activity level (1-10)
  • ✅ Environmental temperature
  • ✅ One new technique practiced
  • ✅ Notes on what worked/didn't work
  • ✅ Questions for community/AI

    • Weekly Milestones


    **Week 1**: Healthy, active starter

    **Week 2**: First successful loaf

    **Week 3**: Consistent technique

    **Week 4**: Personal recipe development


    Challenge Support


    AI Feedback Features:

  • Daily technique tips
  • Personalized troubleshooting
  • Progress tracking
  • Recipe suggestions

    • Community Elements:

  • Daily check-ins
  • Photo sharing
  • Peer support
  • Expert Q&A sessions

    • Beyond 30 Days


    This challenge is just the beginning. Continue your sourdough journey with:

  • Advanced technique workshops
  • Specialty bread exploration
  • Teaching others
  • Seasonal baking projects

    • Join the Challenge


    Ready to commit to 30 days of sourdough growth? Download the SourdoughAI app and join thousands of bakers on this transformative journey.


    Your future self will thank you for taking this first step toward sourdough mastery!


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