How to Freeze Sourdough Starter
Wondering how to store sourdough starter when you're taking a break from bread-baking? Or maybe you're looking to create a backup copy of that magical blend of flour, water, and wild yeast? Well, you're in luck! Today, I'm going to teach you the wonderfully practical skill of How To Freeze Sourdough Starter.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Total Time5 minutes mins
Course: Bread
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10
Calories: 46kcal
Silicone Mold
Freezer Bag
Sharpie
Begin by giving your sourdough starter a good feed. A healthy, active starter will freeze best. Feed it as you normally would and let it reach its peak activity.
2 cups Sourdough Starter
If you have a large quantity of starter, consider dividing it into smaller portions. A silicone ice cube tray or mold filled about ⅔ of the way full is perfect! This way, you can thaw only what you need, when you need it, without having to defrost the entire batch.
After the sourdough starter is frozen, remove it from the silicone tray and place it in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid or a zip-top freezer bag.
Clearly label your container with the date of freezing. This is important as it’s recommended not to keep your starter frozen for more than a few months to maintain its best quality.
How long does sourdough starter last?
Sourdough starter can last for varying lengths of time depending on how it's stored:
- Under Refrigeration: When stored in the refrigerator, a sourdough starter can last indefinitely with proper maintenance. It typically requires weekly feedings to stay healthy. If well-maintained, it can remain viable for decades!
- Freezing: When frozen, a sourdough starter can last for up to six months, without significant degradation in quality. After this period, it might still be viable but could require more effort to revive and restore to its full leavening power.
Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 1mg | Fiber: 0.3g