Instructions

Begin activating starter at least 24 hours before use. One full package creates approximately 24oz of starter ready to use and share.

Keep in mind, the unit ‘ounces’ measures weight and differs from ‘fluid ounces’ that measures volume. We always recommend using a scale, but in the absence of one, see the conversions from weight to volume in each of the following steps. Serious bakers tend to measure ingredients in grams this conversion is provided as well.

Step 1:

Empty entire contents of one package into a large mixing bowl. Add 2oz of lukewarm water to the starter and let soak for 1 hour, stirring vigorously on occasion until mostly dissolved.

If measuring in cups; 2oz of water ≈ 1/4 cup. Lukewarm is approximately 90F°

If measuring in grams: 2oz = 56.7g

Step 2:

Thoroughly mix in 2oz unbleached, all-purpose flour and 2oz water, cover loosely, and let rest approximately 12 hours or until it is actively bubbling.

If measuring in cups; 2oz all-purpose flour ≈ a scant* 1/2 cup and 2oz of water ≈ 1/4 cup

If measuring in grams: 2oz = 56.7g

*A scant 1/2 cup is about 1 tablespoons short of a half cup.

Step 3:

Thoroughly mix in 8oz unbleached, all-purpose flour and 8oz water, cover loosely, and let rest approximately 12 hours or until it is actively bubbling.

If measuring in cups; 8oz all-purpose flour ≈ 1 3/4 cups and 8oz of water ≈ 1 cup.

If measuring in grams: 8oz = 226.8g

Your starter is now active and ready for use!

Maintaining YOUR Starter Over Time

Your Frontiersman Sourdough starter is a living thing and needs to be maintained over time. Adding flour and water to your starter provides the nutrients it requires to stay strong; this is referred to as "feeding" your stater. Always retain at least 4oz of healthy starter in your storage container to propagate more for future recipes. Any starter that goes into your baked goods becomes denatured in the oven and is no longer usable. 

The following are basic instructions for feeding your starter: 

1. Discard all but 4oz of your starter. We recommend you keep your “discard” starter in the fridge; there are endless, delicious recipes that utilize this discard.

If measuring in cups, 4oz of starter = 1 cup of starter after it’s been well stirred

2. Feed your starter by adding 4oz of flour and 4oz of water to the starter container. Thoroughly mix the flour and water into the starter, making sure all flour is completely blended into the mix.

If measuring in cups, 4oz all-purpose flour ≈ a scant* 1 cup and 4oz of water ≈ 1/2 cup.

*A scant 1 cup is about 2 tablespoons short of a full cup.

3.If you plan on storing your starter, you can place it in the fridge. You will need to remove it once per week and repeat feeding steps 1 and 2 to keep it strong. Allow your starter approximately an hour at room temperature before and after feedings.

These are the minimum recommended quantities. Depending on your needs, adjust your flour and water quantities during feedings while maintaining the same 1:1:1, starter:flour:water weight ratios.

(Yes, it’s easy!)

If you plan on using your starter daily, keep it at room temperature and repeat Step 2, feeding every 12 hours.

If you plan on storing your starter, place it in the fridge and repeat Steps 1 and 2 once per week.

To revive the starter from the fridge, move the starter to room temperature conditions and repeat feeding Steps 1 and 2 at least twice, every 12 hours before baking. 

Have more questions? Head to our FAQ page!