The allure of homemade sourdough bread entices many baking enthusiasts to venture into the world of sourdough starters. In recent years, people started picking up on this trend of making their own sourdough. Forget about using store bought yeast. People started making their own by combining two simple ingredients – water and flour.
Central to this process is the sourdough starter jar, an unassuming vessel that plays a critical role in the creation and maintenance of a healthy sourdough culture. By nurturing a blend of flour, water, and naturally occurring yeast in the right jar, bakers coax a living mixture into existence, teeming with microbes that leaven bread and impart it with sourdough’s signature tang.
Selecting an appropriate jar is not just a matter of aesthetics; considerations include size, material, and the ability to accommodate the starter’s growth. Once armed with the perfect container, the journey begins with combining ingredients and understanding the environment in which the starter will thrive. Successful maintenance requires regular feedings and observation, while knowledge of troubleshooting techniques ensures the starter’s longevity. It’s this harmonious balance between equipment and method that transforms a simple mix into a bakers’ gold.
In this post, I’ll discuss what types of jars to consider for use along with size, as well as how to start a sourdough starter, maintenance of your starter, and even how to store it.
Key Takeaways
- A sourdough starter jar is essential for creating and maintaining a healthy sourdough culture.
- Proper jar selection and understanding the starter’s environment are key to success.
- Regular maintenance and troubleshooting are necessary for the longevity of the sourdough starter.
This post is all about the best sourdough starter jar.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Right Sourdough Starter Jar
When selecting a jar for a sourdough starter, always consider the material for health and visibility, as well as size and capacity for the growing starter. For me personally, I chose to use a glass mason jar and the below list of materials explains exactly why.
Material Considerations
The below table evaluates the pros and cons of three different types of material: glass, plastic, and ceramic. The table provides a brief overview of each one and what to think about before deciding on a vessel.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Glass | – It’s a non-reactive material – Clear for easily monitoring starter growth, bubbles, and activity. | – Breakable – It’s heavier than a plastic option |
| Plastic | – Lightweight material – Less prone to breaking | – may stain or retain odors – Potential for chemical leaching – May become brittle over time |
| Ceramic | – Aesthetic appeal – Maintains a stable temperature | – opaque, which makes it hard to observe the starter (observation is important!) – risk of lead in glazes used to make the ceramic |
In my opinion, a glass jar just made sense overall. It is easy to see the activity of my sourdough starter since it is see-through. I don’t have to worry about there being any odors or stains. I’ve found that using plastic sometimes can give a plastic taste to food, making it inedible. A ceramic jar just did not seem practical because it is not see-through and a heavier choice in comparison to glass.
Sourdough Starter Jar Size and Capacity
The size of the jar is also important. One reason is that you want to make sure you have enough space in the jar for the starter to rise. Without enough room, the starter can start rising out of the jar and spilling over. There should also be a wide enough mouth to the jar. This makes it easier to add flour, water, and to mix the ingredients.
Here is a breakdown of what to consider when choosing a jar size:
- Small (Under 1 quart):
- Good for initial creation of starter.
- May require frequent transfers as the starter grows.
- Medium (1 to 2 quarts):
- Balances space for growth and kitchen countertop economy.
- Most commonly recommended size for ongoing maintenance.
- Large (Over 2 quarts):
- Useful for those who bake often or in large quantities.
- Takes up more space and may be harder to handle.
I bake about once a week, sometimes a couple of times a week depending on what’s going on (holidays, feeling adventurous with baking, etc.). Usually I’m baking a boule of sourdough bread. If I am baking a bit more than usual, I make sure to be cognizant of how much starter I’ll need and feed appropriately. I selected a medium size jar which gives the starter plenty of room to grow and ease of use.
Starting a Sourdough Starter
Creating a sourdough starter involves mixing flour and water and then allowing it to ferment. Success hinges on maintaining a consistent feeding schedule to cultivate a robust community of yeast and bacteria.
Initial Mixture
To start, one must combine equal parts flour and water in a clean jar. For instance, one might mix 100 grams of whole wheat flour with 100 grams of water. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick, homogenous paste. It’s important to cover the jar with a cloth to allow airflow while keeping out contaminants.
Feeding Schedule
| Day | Flour (grams) | Water (grams) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 100 | 100 |
| 2 | 100 | 100 |
| 3 | 100 | 100 |
| 4 | 100 | 100 |
| 5 | 100 | 100 |
| 6 | 100 | 100 |
| 7 | 100 | 100 |
Feeding the starter is crucial for its development. Each day at the same time, discard half the starter and replenish it with fresh flour and water using the proportions above. As the days progress, one should observe bubbles and a tangy aroma, signs that the sourdough culture is active and growing.
***Important: when you discard a portion of your starter, don’t throw it away. To prevent waste, save it in a separate jar. There are plenty of recipes to use it.
Maintenance Tips
Keeping a sourdough starter healthy requires a consistent routine. This section covers the following crucial factors:
- Temperature
- How to incorporate air properly
- How to properly store the starter
- How often to feed it
Temperature and Location
It’s important to keep the correct temperature, especially when before you bake. Temperatures affect the rise of the starter. When the water and the flour are mixed and then exposed to the air, it activates friendly bacteria and collects what’s known as wild yeast from its surrounding environment. Once it has the proper amount of yeast and bacteria it has the ability to leaven bread. This beautiful dance and combination in the jar causes sugars in the flour to convert to ethanol, carbon dioxide, and acids.
The carbon dioxide that’s created from this activity is what makes your dough rise, while the acids give sourdough its unique sour taste. The fermentation process used to make sourdough bread creates enzymes, which make it easier to digest in comparison to other types of breads.
Thus without the proper temperature, the yeast and bacteria’s activity is either too fast when the temperature is too warm, or it can be slowed down or non-existent with colder temperatures. I always like to keep a general rule of thumb too when the jar is not in the fridge that ‘cold equals mold’. This rule works with many different types of ferments.
Ideal Temperature: A sourdough starter thrives at a temperature between 68°F and 75°F (20°C to 24°C). Outside this range, the yeast activity may slow down or become too vigorous.
The below chart provides a few extra tips:
| Location Tips | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Away from direct sunlight | Prevents overheating |
| Stable environment | Promotes consistent growth |
| Avoid drafts | Prevents skin formation |
Stirring and Aeration
It’s important to remember that your sourdough starter is essentially a living being. The incorporation of fresh air helps in the process of colonization of the starter.
Here’s what to do:
Stirring Frequency
- Daily: Stir your starter at least once a day when at room temperature to incorporate fresh air.
- Feeding Time: Always stir before each feeding to evenly distribute yeast and bacteria.
Aeration Importance
- Maintaining aeration helps achieve a balanced environment for the starter culture, promoting better yeast activity and preventing mold growth.
Storage and Longevity
Ok, this part is also crucial because the sourdough starter needs to be stored properly.Proper storage can greatly increase the longevity of a sourdough starter. Factors like sealing, airflow, and temperature play crucial roles in maintaining its viability. If it’s not stored properly it will likely lead to a number of issues.
Sealing and Airflow
Sourdough starters need a balance of sealing and airflow to thrive. An airtight container restricts necessary air circulation, risking mold development. Conversely, too much airflow can dry the starter out. Lids should be placed loosely on jars or containers can be covered with a breathable material like cheesecloth, secured with a rubber band. I usually just use a paper towel if cheesecloth isn’t available.
How to Store Sourdough Starter: Refrigeration Versus Room Temperature
The choice between refrigeration and room temperature storage affects a starter’s maintenance schedule and activity level.
- Refrigeration: Prolongs shelf life but slows down fermentation. Starters stored in the fridge require feeding once a week. Put a lid on the jar before popping it in the fridge.
- Room Temperature: Keeps starters active and ready for baking. These starters need daily feeding to maintain health.
If you’re not baking on a daily basis, it’s best to give the starter a good feeding and pop it in the fridge. This will lessen both the amount of feedings and how much you discard. Keeping the sourdough starter out on the counter requires daily feedings and you’ll have to discard every day. So unless you’re baking, you’ll have a lot of discard on your hands.
If the jar is in the fridge and you’re ready to bake, take the jar out, discard, and give it a good feeding. I usually wait 24 hours before using it to bake. By doing this, it has an opportunity to ‘wake up’ and get moving! Remember, if it’s stored in the fridge there’s minimal activity. The cold slows down the fermentation process, which is not good for leavening bread.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Maintaining a healthy sourdough starter requires vigilance to prevent mold and manage odors. Here’s how to tackle these issues.
Mold Prevention
- Visual Check: Routinely inspect the jar for any signs of mold, which typically appears as fuzzy, colored spots.
- Storage: Keep the starter jar in a place with good air circulation, away from direct sunlight and away from potential contaminants.
Note: You may see a dark liquid form on (usually) top of the starter. It can sometimes form in the middle or even on the bottom. This is called hooch and is normal to see. This is an indication that all the ‘food’ in the jar has been used up and the starter needs to be fed. You can either mix the hooch back into the starter, or pour it off. Usually the hooch is mixed back in because it is part of the starter’s hydration and gives sourdough bread its unique flavor.
Before you discard, mix the hooch back into the starter. Discard and then feed it.
Odor Management
- Sniff Test: It’s normal for a sourdough starter to have a tangy, slightly sour smell. An example of a normal smell is like vinegar. It has a pleasant smell to it. Any odors that seem off is an alert that there are potential issues.
- Regularity: Regular feeding can prevent bad odors. If the starter smells like acetone, it’s likely time for a feed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the ideal size for a sourdough starter container?
The ideal size for a sourdough starter jar is typically between one and two quarts. This allows ample space for the starter to double in volume without spilling over.
Glass vs. plastic containers: which is better for sourdough starter?
Glass containers are often recommended over plastic. They are non-reactive and make it easy to monitor the starter’s activity and bubbles.
Is it necessary to use an airtight lid with my sourdough starter jar?
An airtight lid is not necessary and is not recommended as the starter needs to release gasses. A loose-fitting lid or breathable material like cheesecloth is preferable.
Any tips for choosing the perfect sourdough starter jar kit?
A sourdough starter kit really isn’t necessary. However, if you’d like to get one, look for one with clear markings for measurement, a wide opening for easy stirring, and includes a lid that can cover loosely.
Can sourdough starter work well in ceramic sourdough jars?
The starter can work well in ceramic jars provided they’re glazed to prevent sticking and allow for easy cleaning. Ensure they’re free of cracks and crevices where bacteria can hide.
How Often Should I Clean the Jar?
Truthfully, the jar has minimal upkeep. The jar doesn’t have to be cleaned unless it becomes really crusty. When it is time to discard, I make sure to wipe the rim off with a damp paper towel. This helps to keep the jar from getting crusty at the top and from anything getting stuck to the rim. When I feed my starter, I also make sure to scrape down the sides of the jar.
This post was all about the best sourdough starter jar.
