Congratulations on your new sourdough starter from All Hearts Farm! This little jar of fermented magic is your ticket to fresh, flavorful bread, pancakes, and more. With just a bit of care and attention, your starter will thrive for years to come. Here’s everything you need to know to keep it happy and healthy.How to Care for Your Sourdough Starter from All Hearts Farm

What Is a Sourdough Starter?

A sourdough starter is a living culture of wild yeast and beneficial bacteria. These organisms feed on flour and water, producing the gases that make bread rise and the tangy flavor that makes sourdough so delicious. The starter you’ve purchased from All Hearts Farm is already active and ready to use!

How to Feed Your Starter

To keep your starter alive and thriving, you’ll need to “feed” it regularly with fresh flour and water. Here’s how:

1. Ingredients:

• Unbleached all-purpose or whole wheat flour
• Filtered or dechlorinated water

2. Feeding Instructions:

1. Remove a Portion: Before feeding, discard about half of the starter (or use it in a recipe). This ensures your starter doesn’t grow too large and maintains a healthy balance of yeast and bacteria.
2. Add Flour and Water: For every 1 part starter, add 1 part flour and 1 part water by weight (e.g., 50g starter + 50g flour + 50g water).
3. Mix Well: Stir until smooth and no lumps remain. The consistency should resemble thick pancake batter.
4. Cover and Let Rest: Cover loosely (with a lid or cloth) and let it sit at room temperature for 4–8 hours until bubbly and active.

How Often Should You Feed It?

• Daily Feeding: If kept at room temperature, feed your starter once a day.
• Refrigeration: If you bake less frequently, store your starter in the fridge and feed it once a week. Bring it to room temperature before feeding or using it in a recipe.

Signs of a Happy Starter

• Bubbly and Active: Your starter should double in size within 4–8 hours of feeding.
• Pleasant Aroma: It should smell tangy and slightly sweet, not foul or overly sour.
• Elastic Texture: The starter should feel stretchy and full of life when stirred.

Troubleshooting

Hooch on Top (Liquid Layer):

• Hooch is a harmless liquid that forms when the starter is hungry. Stir it back in or pour it off before feeding.

No Bubbles or Growth:

• Make sure you’re using fresh flour and non-chlorinated water. Feed it more frequently for a few days to revive it.

Mold or Off Smell:

• If mold appears or the starter smells rotten (not sour), discard it and start over with a fresh batch.

Using Your Starter

Once your starter is bubbly and active, it’s ready for baking! Simply measure out the amount your recipe calls for, then feed the remaining starter to replenish it. Some popular recipes to try include:

• Classic sourdough bread
• Sourdough pancakes or waffles
• Sourdough crackers

Final Thoughts

Your sourdough starter from All Hearts Farm is more than just a tool for baking—it’s a living connection to the land and traditions we love. With a little care, it will reward you with countless delicious creations.

Got questions or need inspiration? Chat with us on our Telegram channel linked in the footer of our website. We’d love to hear about your sourdough adventures!

Happy baking!
– The All Hearts Farm Team