Challenge #1 – Creating a Successful Sourdough Starter

libbyg

Throughout this past week, I have been documenting my process creating my first sourdough starter. Before I began, I did some research online and watched many TikTok videos to help break down the process step by step. I have linked below the TikTok video that I referred to which has been a very helpful resource. 

Below are my observations of each day: 

D A Y 1:  Sourdough starter formula –  Feeding it daily with flour and water until the starter consistently doubles in size overnight. 

  • On day 1 I began creating my first sourdough starter!
  • I put in 3 spoons of flour, and about a ¼ cup of room-temperature water into my jar and I left it overnight 

D A Y 2:

  • I noticed barely any growth from day one, but this is just as expected 
  • Repeated the process – a couple of scoops of flour and some water into my jar until it made a paste texture

D A Y 3: 

  • Major growth from day 2 – almost doubled but not yet 
  • There is little bubbles at the bottom and larger ones at the top = signals that the starter is beginning to form and double 
  • Repeated the flour and water process 
  • Did not discard yet as if it starter doubles it will not reach the top of the jar

D A Y 4:  

  • Noticed it doubled over day three but it deflated overnight 
  • Discarded about half for the first time to make room for the starter to double again 
  • Repeated flour and water process 
  • Will check back tomorrow to see if it doubles again, and if it does, I will try to make my first sourdough loaf 

D A Y 5:

  • Not much progress from day 4 after it deflated 
  • Still see some bubbles but looks less active than it did on day 3 
  • I discarded half today and repeated flour and water process 

Currently, I am stuck at day 5 without an active sourdough starter. Now, my plan is to keep feeding my starter the same way every day, and also start fresh with a new one to compare. Hopefully, by my next post, I am able to say that I have successfully created an active starter and begin the baking process – the fun part! 

TIKTOK REFERENCE VIDEO: Credits to @laurynchayce https://www.tiktok.com/@laurynchayce/video/7571140261762354462