what is sourdough starter

Sun, 03 May 2026 15:04:41 +0000

# What Is a Sourdough Starter? A Complete Guide for Bakers If you’re exploring the world of baking, you’ve likely heard the buzzword sourdough starter. But what exactly is a sourdough starter, and why has this fermented mixture become a cornerstone of artisanal bread making? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about sourdough starters—from how they’re created and maintained to why they’re essential for crafting tangy, chewy sourdough bread. ## What Is a Sourdough Starter? A sourdough starter is a natural fermentation mixture composed of flour and water that has been cultivated over time by wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria. Unlike commercial yeast, which is a single, fast-acting microorganism, a sourdough starter relies on a symbiotic culture of beneficial microbes—primarily Lactobacillus and Saccharomyces strains—that live in equilibrium.