1. My starter flakes were rehydrated 24 hours ago, but there are no bubbles or signs of activity. 

First, double-check that you followed the starter revival instructions correctly.

Common issues:

• Room temperature: Cold environments slow down starter activity.
• Flour type: Only use high-quality bread flour. Avoid supermarket plain flour.
• If no bubbles appear after 24 hours, feed your starter with 30g flour + 30g water. Once it shows bubbles, it’s ready for the next step: Part 2: Let's make sourdough.
• You have missed the rise: An active starter will often rise (peak) and then fall back down with bubbles disappearing. If your starter smells sour but has no visible bubbles, it’s possible that you simply missed the rise. Feed it again and monitor closely after 2-3 hours. 

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2. What is bulk fermentation?

Bulk fermentation is the first long resting period after mixing your sourdough dough, where fermentation begins, and the dough starts to rise.

Why is Bulk Fermentation Important?

During this stage:

• Natural yeast and bacteria from your starter produce gas (CO₂), causing the dough to rise.
• The dough develops flavour, strength, and structure.
• Gluten starts to strengthen, making the dough easier to handle later.

3. How long is the bulk (fermentation) proving time?

The bulk fermentation time for sourdough depends largely on room temperature:

• At typical room temperature (21–24°C), it usually takes 3 to 5 hours.

• In cooler environments, it can take up to 8 hours or longer.

The process is complete when the dough has risen by approximately 30% to 50%. Always judge by the dough's rise and feel rather than relying strictly on the clock — warmer temperatures speed up fermentation, while cooler ones slow it down.

4. What is the final proving stage?

The final prove (or final proof) is the last rise your shaped sourdough dough goes through before baking (resting inside a proving banneton). It’s essential for developing structure, volume, and flavour.

There are two methods of final proving:

Room Temperature Proof:
Let the dough prove at room temperature for 1 to 3 hours, depending on your environment.
Look for a slight rise and a dough that feels light but still holds shape.

Cold (Fridge) Proof — Preferred by many bakers:
Place the shaped dough in the fridge for 8 to 24 hours.
This slows fermentation, enhances flavour, and makes the dough easier to handle and score.

 

5. How do I feed my sourdough starter — and how often?

Use a 1:1:1 ratio (starter:flour:water), for example:
30g starter + 30g flour + 30g water

• Feed every 12 hours at room temperature.

A healthy starter should smell mildly sweet with a slight sour note.

Neglected Starter (very sour)? Here’s How to Refresh It

If your starter has been neglected or left unfed for a while, you can revive it by using a 1:4:4 feeding ratio:

For example:
5g starter + 20g flour + 20g filtered water

This higher ratio of fresh flour and water helps:

• Dilute excess acidity
• Encourage strong fermentation activity.
• Bring your starter back to a healthy, balanced state.

Tip: You may need to repeat this refresh once or twice, depending on how long the starter has been neglected. Look for signs of recovery — bubbles, rise, and a pleasant aroma — before baking with it.

How often to feed:

• At room temperature (around 21–24°C):
  Feed your starter twice a day, approximately every 12 hours.
• In cooler environments:
  You can feed it once every 24 hours, but more frequent feedings keep it at peak strength.

Before baking:

• Your starter is ready to use when it has:
  Doubled in volume.
• A bubbly, airy texture.
•  A mild, tangy aroma.

After removing the amount you need for baking, feed the remaining starter and continue your usual feeding schedule.

6. What is a starter build — and when should I do one?

A starter build refers to the process of preparing your sourdough starter for baking by giving it a specific feeding, often timed and measured, to ensure it's at peak activity when you mix your dough.

Typical Starter Build Process:

1. Discard & Feed:
Take a small amount of mature starter (e.g., 20–50g) and feed it with fresh flour and water, often at a specific ratio (commonly 1:1:1 or 1:3:3, but some prefer 1:4:4 for reducing acidity).

Tip: If using the same jar, simply discard all but 20–50g of the starter, then add your flour and water. Stir well until smooth.

2. Timing:
Let the build ferment at room temperature (around 21–24°C) until it:

• • Doubles in size.
  • Becomes bubbly and airy.
  • Has a mild, tangy aroma.

This typically takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on temperature and your starter's health.

3. Use at Peak:
Once the starter has peaked (doubled or slightly domed at the top), it’s ready to use in your sourdough recipe.

Why Do a Starter Build?

• Increases the reliability of your bake.
• Ensures your starter is strong and active.
• Helps control flavour (less sour if you use a young, freshly built starter).
• Especially important if your starter lives in the fridge most of the time.

 

7. How Do I Best Store My Sourdough Starter?

You have two main options for storing your sourdough starter, depending on how often you bake:

Room Temperature Storage (For Regular Baking)

• • Ideal if you bake daily or every couple of days.
  • Keep your starter in a clean jar, covered loosely (to allow airflow).
  • Feed it twice a day (every 12 hours) with equal parts flour and water by weight.
  • Best kept in a spot away from direct sunlight and drafts (around 21–24°C).

Fridge Storage (For Occasional Baking)

• • Ideal if you bake once a week or less.
  • Feed your starter, let it sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours, then store it in the fridge.
  • It can safely stay in the fridge for up to 2 weeks without feeding.
  • To revive, take it out, let it come to room temperature, discard most of it, and feed as usual.
  • You may need 1–2 feeds to fully reactivate it before baking.
  • Bonus Tip:

For longer-term storage, you can dry your starter or store it as flakes — perfect for backup in case of mishaps.

8. What can I do with sourdough discard?

Don’t throw it out!
Use it in discard recipes like pancakes, crackers, or muffins. Search “sourdough discard recipes” online for endless ideas.

9. Can I keep my starter at room temperature?

Yes, but you’ll need to feed it every 12 hours.
In cooler conditions, you may stretch to every 24 hours, but regular feeds will keep it strongest.

10. What if my room is too cold?

Cold slows down your starter. Try:

• Leaving it in the oven with the light on
• Placing a bowl of hot water nearby
• Using a seedling heat mat

⚠️ Do not exceed 58°C — high temperatures can kill your starter.

11. My starter smells really sour has black liquid on top (hooch). Can I save it?

Yes — sourdough starters are resilient!
If it smells strong, or has liquid on top:

1. Scrape off the top layer
2. Take 1 tablespoon from the healthy middle
3. Feed with 40g flour + 40g water
4. Keep it at 24–25°C for 12–24 hours

Repeat this for a few days — it should bounce back.

If it has mould: 

Best to throw out and start again, purchase a new organic rye starter here. 

12. How do I prepare my starter for baking after storing it in the fridge?

If stored for up to 1 week:

• Let it come to room temperature
• Do your starter build based on the recipe

If stored for up to 2 weeks (risk of mould is higher):

• Bring to room temp
• Feed once using a 1:4:4 ratio (e.g., 5g starter + 20g flour + 20g water)
• Once it doubles, do your starter build

13. Can I leave my starter in the fridge for a month or more?

It’s not ideal, but possible with care.

You must refresh it every 2 weeks using a 1:4:4 feed

Before baking:

• Bring it to room temperature
• Feed it once (1:4:4)
• Wait for it to bubbly
• Then do your starter build

14. Taking a break from baking (2–12 months)?

Dehydrate your starter!

1. Feed with a 1:1:2 ratio (more water)
2. Once bubbly, spread thinly on baking paper
3. Let it dry out completely until flaky
4. Crush and store in an airtight jar

To reactivate, just follow the same steps used for rehydrating your original flakes.

15. How do I store sourdough bread to keep it fresher for longer?

To keep your sourdough bread fresh, store it in a cotton bread bag, or simply wrap it in a clean tea towel. This allows the bread to breathe, preventing excess moisture buildup while protecting the crust.

It's best to store your bread in a cool, dry place, like a bread box or on the kitchen counter — away from direct sunlight.

Avoid storing sourdough in the fridge, as this accelerates the staling process and dries the bread out.

For longer-term storage, you can slice the bread and freeze it. Simply toast or reheat slices as needed.

16. What type of water should I use?

Drinkable tap water is fine, unless it's high in chlorine. If unsure: 

• Fill a jug with tap water and leave it uncovered overnight
• Or simply use filtered water

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Happy baking!