Maintaining a Smaller Sourdough Starter

subheading: For this method, a digital scale really, really comes in handy. I can give you rough estimates for measuring by volume, but working with tablespoons of starter is messy and not very precise. So, take all that money you'll be saving in discarded flour and consider adding a scale to your baking toolbox.:

Two ounces is equal to 57g, but for simpler calculations, I've rounded up to 60g. Not only will a scale make this process easier, but working in grams makes much more sense when working with such small quantities.

For 60g of starter: Save 20g (1 heaping tablespoon) starter and feed it 20g (4 teaspoons) water and 20g (2 tablespoons) flour.

From top to bottom: 20g starter, 60g newly fed starter, 60g ripe starter

Tools for maintaining a smaller sourdough starter

If you decide to maintain a smaller sourdough starter, downsizing your tools can make the process much easier. Our regular sourdough crock is just too big for this little guy.

For our smaller starter, you'll need an 8-ounce canning jar or a similar-sized container. This jar will only be used for maintenance feedings. Be sure your jar has a wide mouth to make stirring easy.

Two identical jars can make the feeding process even easier. If you're weighing your ingredients you can tare the empty jar. If you're measuring by volume it will be easier to transfer the heaping tablespoon of starter to the clean jar.

You'll also need a larger container or bowl when it comes time to build the amount of starter you have in preparation for baking. Our sourdough crock could come in handy here, but I'd be wary of building more than 454g (16 ounces) of starter in this crock.

Mini spatulas and a mini-scoop can also make the feeding routine a lot easier.

Directions at kingarthurbaking.com

Never lose a recipe again, not even if the original website goes away! Use the Copy Me That button to create your own complete copy of any recipe that you find online. Learn more! It's free!

Page footer