For best results, we recommend using our White Gluten-Free Bread Flour to feed & maintain your starter. 

 

GLUTEN-FREE STARTER MAINTENANCE 

If you’re not using your starter, there isn’t much point in feeding it daily. You’d just waste flour & have loads of excess starter. There are two ways in which you can keep your starter healthy: 

1. Starter Builds: only required when you do not have enough starter to add into your bread mix. The instructions are usually given at the start of a recipe to ensure you have enough starter to make your bread. An example of this can be found at the beginning of one of our gluten-free sourdough recipes which asks to “build” aka “feed” your starter to ensure there is enough fresh active starter required for the recipe. 

2. Maintenance Feeds: GF starters should be kept in the fridge if not using, however they will require maintenance feeds at least once every 1-2 weeks. This helps keep the starter healthy and ensures there is enough food to keep your starter from going too sour. 

Maintenance feeds should be kept small as to minimise waste. We recommend a feeding ratio of 1:1:1 equal parts starter, flour and water. 

Example of a maintenance feed:

15g of starter
15g flour 
15g water

Combine everything and mix well. Let it develop, once large pea-size bubbles appear, store back in the fridge in an air-tight container. 

Maintaining a healthy & active starter means that you will produce delicious bread every time. It also means your starter will grow more predictably which will allow you to better plan when your bread will be ready. You only need to keep as little as 1 tablespoon of starter to continue feeding & keep for your next bake. 
 

Storing Your Starter in the Fridge

You can store your starter in the fridge, but don’t leave it unfed for more than 2 weeks. After that, there's a risk of mould or harmful bacteria developing.

Maintenance Feed:
We recommend feeding it at least once every fortnight to keep it healthy.

Dormant Mode:
When chilled, your starter goes into “dormant mode.” It’s still alive, but it will take longer to become active again after feeding—this is normal, so be patient!

Storage Tips:

  • Use a sterilised, airtight container

  • Feed it before storing

  • Always check for signs of mould or bad smells before use

Keep a feeding schedule to avoid issues and make sure your starter is always ready to bake when you are!

When Using from Fridge

Take your starter from the fridge & let it come to room temperature. Then complete a starter build as per the recipe. 

 

 

Back to blog