How to Revive Dried Sourdough Starter
Sourdough bread has become increasingly popular among home bakers. However, sourdough starter can dry out if not maintained properly. If you are wondering how to revive dried sourdough starter, you’re in the right place! Grab your dried sourdough starter from us HERE and follow this guide.
What is Dried Sourdough Starter?
Dried sourdough starter is a dehydrated active starter that is thinly spread out and dried. Doing this preserves all the active yeasts and makes storing it and mailing it very easy!
How Does Drying Affect the Starter?
Drying the sourdough starter slows down the bacterial activity, effectively putting the starter in a state of hibernation. However, it’s important to note that the drying process can also kill some of the bacteria, which means it may take a bit longer to get the starter going again.
How Long Can Dried Sourdough Starter be Stored?
When properly stored, dried sourdough starter can be stored for up to a year or longer. However, it’s important to note that the longer the starter is stored, the more challenging it can be to revive.
How to Revive Dried Sourdough Starter
Reviving a dried sourdough starter requires time, patience, and some basic tools. Here are the steps to rehydrate your dried starter.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools
To rehydrate your dried sourdough starter, you’ll need:
- A clean jar or container
- Filtered water
- A kitchen scale
- Flour
Step 2: Weigh the Dried Starter
Using a kitchen scale, weigh 20 grams of the dried sourdough starter.
Step 3: Mix the Starter with Flour and Water
In a clean jar or container, mix the dried sourdough starter with equal parts of flour and filtered water. That means if you used 20 grams of dried starter, mix it with 20 grams of flour and 20 grams of filtered water.
Step 4: Let the Mixture Sit
Cover the jar or container with a lid or plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 24-48 hours.
Step 5: Feed the Starter
After 24-48 hours, the mixture should start to show some signs of activity, such as small bubbles or a slight rise in the mixture. This means it’s time to feed the starter by mixing in more flour and filtered water.
Benefits of Using Sourdough
Sourdough offers several benefits over traditional bread-making methods. Here are some of the most significant benefits:
Digestibility
Sourdough bread is easier to digest than other types of bread. This is because the bacteria in the sourdough starter break down the gluten in the flour, making it easier to digest.
Flavor
Sourdough bread has a unique flavor that comes from the fermentation process. It’s tangy and slightly sour, which pairs well with a variety of foods.
Health Benefits
Sourdough bread is also more nutritious than other types of bread. It contains more vitamins and minerals, as well as prebiotics and probiotics that support gut health.
Recipes to Get You Started with Sourdough
Once you’ve revived your dried sourdough starter, it’s time to start baking. Here are a few easy sourdough recipes to get you started:
No-Nead Sourdough Bread
This recipe by far is my favorite recipe for baking a beautiful loaf every single time.
Sourdough Pancakes
If you’re not quite ready to jump into bread baking, try making sourdough pancakes. These pancakes are fluffy and tangy, and they’re a great way to use up excess starter.
Sourdough Pizza Crust
Sourdough pizza crust has a unique flavor and texture that can take your homemade pizza to the next level. It’s easy to make and adds a delicious twist to your favorite pizza toppings.
Where to Purchase Dried Sourdough Starter
Oh hello! We here at Little Oak Farmstead would love to provide you with our mature, wonderful starter. Most of our starter is sold locally here in South Carolina, but we also have it available to ship HERE.
