Buying an established starter has changed the game for me (recipe in comments)
Buying an established starter has changed the game for me (recipe in comments)
by 44-nico
5 Comments
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I tried making my own sourdough starter twice. It would double in size and pass the float test, but I never had very good loaves. Under-fermented, gummy, poor texture. Edible, but not enjoyable.
I finally decided to purchase a starter. I got the one from King Arthur for $10 plus shipping. Honestly, it was the best $20 I spent. This starter is hefty, strong, and has made the entire process a lot smoother. There is very little guesswork because my loaves actually match what I see online and in videos. And because it’s such a strong starter, I’m able to get consistent loaves. I’ve made two this week alone that have looked great.
My advice is that if you are struggling with a relatively new homemade starter, just buy one. You can still work on your homemade starter, but buying one will give you time to develop your homemade starter’s strength while you get delicious loaves from the established starter.
Inevitable_Land_3608
Or just ask your local bakery and they’ll probably give you a little for free
crunchyquinoa
i just got the KA starter like two weeks ago and omg the difference… first of all the noticeable sour flavor i’m getting in my bread now is wonderful. it peaks in like 4-6hrs in my cold af kitchen i had to throw that bad boy in the fridge i couldn’t keep up with it!!
IceDragonPlay
Good for you!
So often people are resistant to buying a fresh starter, but it is really a timesaver and nice to have a really robust starter right off the bat!
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Recipe is from [Farmhouse on Boone](https://www.farmhouseonboone.com/beginners-sourdough-bread-recipe/#wprm-recipe-container-40698)
I tried making my own sourdough starter twice. It would double in size and pass the float test, but I never had very good loaves. Under-fermented, gummy, poor texture. Edible, but not enjoyable.
I finally decided to purchase a starter. I got the one from King Arthur for $10 plus shipping. Honestly, it was the best $20 I spent. This starter is hefty, strong, and has made the entire process a lot smoother. There is very little guesswork because my loaves actually match what I see online and in videos. And because it’s such a strong starter, I’m able to get consistent loaves. I’ve made two this week alone that have looked great.
My advice is that if you are struggling with a relatively new homemade starter, just buy one. You can still work on your homemade starter, but buying one will give you time to develop your homemade starter’s strength while you get delicious loaves from the established starter.
Or just ask your local bakery and they’ll probably give you a little for free
i just got the KA starter like two weeks ago and omg the difference… first of all the noticeable sour flavor i’m getting in my bread now is wonderful. it peaks in like 4-6hrs in my cold af kitchen i had to throw that bad boy in the fridge i couldn’t keep up with it!!
Good for you!
So often people are resistant to buying a fresh starter, but it is really a timesaver and nice to have a really robust starter right off the bat!