“How to revive dried sourdough starter” is a common question among artisanal bakers and hobbyists.
In this article, you will learn a detailed process on “How to revive dried sourdough starter” and get back that lively and bubbly ferment we all love.
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Table of Content
Understanding Dried Sourdough
Before diving into “How to revive dried sourdough starter,” it’s crucial to understand what happens to the starter when it dries out.
Essentially, when sourdough starter dries up, the bacteria and yeasts that make it up go into a “hibernation” state.
However, in this state, they still retain the ability to “wake up” and come back to life with the right treatment.
Step-by-Step: How to Revive Dried Sourdough Starter
Follow these steps:
- Evaluate the Starter: Before starting the “How to revive dried sourdough starter” process, inspect your starter.
- Break Up the Dried Starter: Break the dried starter into small pieces, about the size of a dice or smaller. This will make mixing it with water easier.
- Hydration: In your bowl, mix the starter pieces with filtered water. The exact amount of water can vary, but aim for a consistency similar to thick bread dough. Stir well until the dried starter is completely submerged.
- Add Flour: Once the starter is hydrated, add flour and mix until you achieve a consistency similar to that of an active sourdough starter. This step provides the yeast and bacteria with the necessary food to wake up.
- Resting: Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it rest in a warm place, away from drafts, for 24 hours.
- Observe and Feed: After 24 hours, you should start to see bubbles and an increase in the volume of the mixture. This indicates that the yeast and bacteria are waking up. If you see these signs, it’s time to feed your starter. Add equal parts flour and water, mix well, and let it rest for another 24 hours.
- Repeat: You might need to repeat the feeding process several times before your starter is fully active. The goal is to get a bubbly starter with a pleasantly tangy smell.
After following these steps on “How to revive dried sourdough starter,” your ferment should be ready to be used in your favorite bread recipes.
