The Complete Guide to Starting Your First Sourdough Starter

Creating your first sourdough starter is one of the most rewarding experiences in home baking. This living culture of wild yeast and bacteria will become your gateway to authentic, flavorful bread that connects you to thousands of years of baking tradition.

What You'll Need

Day-by-Day Instructions

Day 1: The Beginning

Mix 50g of whole wheat flour with 50g of water in your container. Stir well to combine, cover loosely, and leave at room temperature (68-72°F is ideal). You should see a thick paste consistency.

Day 2-3: First Signs of Life

You might notice some bubbling or a slightly sour smell. This is normal! Discard half of the mixture and feed with 50g flour and 50g water. Stir well and cover loosely.

Day 4-5: Building Strength

The starter should be more active now, with visible bubbles and a tangy aroma. Continue the discard-and-feed routine. You can switch to bread flour at this point for a milder flavor.

Day 6-7: Ready to Bake

Your starter should double in size within 4-8 hours of feeding and have a pleasant, yeasty smell. It's ready to use when it passes the "float test" - a small piece will float in water.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

**No Activity**: Try using whole wheat flour, check water temperature, or move to a warmer location.

**Mold Growth**: Look for fuzzy growths in colors other than white. If you see actual mold (green, black, pink), start over.

**Liquid on Top**: The dark liquid (hooch) is normal - just stir it in or pour it off before feeding.

**Strong Smell**: A vinegary smell is normal. Cheese-like or putrid smells indicate problems.

Maintaining Your Starter

Once established, keep your starter in the refrigerator and feed it weekly with equal parts flour and water. Before baking, bring it to room temperature and feed it 2-3 times until it's active and bubbly.

Your sourdough starter is a living culture that will improve with age. Many bakers have starters that are decades old, passed down through generations. With proper care, your starter will reward you with countless loaves of delicious, artisanal bread.

Ready to start baking? Check out our beginner-friendly sourdough bread recipe in the SourdoughAI app!