As sourdough bakers, we know how crucial it is to have a healthy and thriving sourdough starter. In this tutorial, we'll explore the basics of sourdough starter care, including a 2-day refreshment schedule for the fresh starter included in our Sourdough Starter Kit.

A sourdough starter is a natural yeast culture that's full of life and energy. It's made up of lactic acid bacteria and acid-tolerant yeasts that ferment sugars in flour, producing acid, alcohol, and carbon dioxide. These microorganisms grow naturally in the starter culture, originating from the flour and environment.

To maintain a healthy sourdough starter, you need to provide it with a warm and cozy environment, regular feeding, and proper care. In this tutorial, we'll cover a 2-day refreshment schedule for our Sourdough Starter Kit, which includes two jars, a digital scale, a silicone spatula, a graduated 50-mil scoop, four black rubber bands, and a handbook.

The thermometer strip on the side of the jar shows temperature indicators in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. The real temperature will be reflected by a green indication. Blue indicates the temperature is just above this marking, while tan indicates it's just below.

To begin feeding and refreshing your starter, simply follow our 2-day refreshment schedule. Start by preparing the flour you plan to use for your feeds. We recommend using a mix of bread flour and rye flour, but feel free to substitute other brands or grains.

Weigh out 450g of bread flour and 50g of rye flour, then whisk them together in a bowl. This 500g flour mix is prepared ahead of time and usually lasts us a week or two if we're feeding daily.

To feed your sourdough starter, simply combine the starter with flour and water at a ratio of 1:2 (one part starter to two parts flour and water). For example, if you have 5g of starter, use 10g of flour and 10g of water. Stir the mixture together using a silicone spatula.

Remember to keep your sourdough starter at room temperature between 72°F and 82°F. If it's too hot or cold, adjust the temperature accordingly. Also, be sure to store any extra starter in the fridge just in case anything goes wrong with this refreshment.

By following our 2-day refreshment schedule and tips for caring for your sourdough starter, you'll be well on your way to creating a healthy and thriving natural yeast culture. Happy baking!