If you are new to sourdough or you've been frustrated by it, you might like to learn about these 6 sourdough secrets and myths.
In this post, I am sharing a few of my sourdough secrets and myths that might be preventing you from enjoying sourdough and baking better breads.
Some of what I am going to tell you might be a bit controversial...
SOURDOUGH SECRET #1:
Your first sourdough starter is often the most difficult to make. Making your very first sourdough starter can be the most challenging to make. That is one of the reasons, people give up on sourdough. If you are completely new to baking with sourdough, you may not have any wild yeasts in your kitchen! So, I always tell everyone: DO NOT give up. It can take a long time at first, but once your starter gets going, it gets so much easier!
SOURDOUGH SECRET #2:
Whether you’re trying to make a sourdough starter from scratch or you have a sluggish starter you're trying to reactivate, rye flour is your best friend - it's like ‘steroids’ for your sourdough starter. This is because it is higher in enzymes and holds on to water more than wheat.
My favorite rye flour is King Arthur Baking Medium Rye Flour.
SOURDOUGH SECRET #3:
If you have a starter feeding routine that works for you, skip this part, but if you're like me and you don't really understand why people discard, this secret is for you!
You do NOT need to discard any of your sourdough starter. People in my classes are often baffled by this one…
The only time I’ve ever tossed any of my sourdough starter was at the very beginning when I was making it. Discard is so wasteful (and unnecessary!) in my opinion. Why on earth would anybody ever want to throw out some of their precious sourdough starter?! (I plan on doing a separate post on My No Discard Sourdough Method).
SOURDOUGH SECRET #4:
You do NOT have to be a slave to your sourdough starter. Similar to discarding, you also don’t have to do regular (daily) feedings to keep your starter going. Use your sourdough starter on YOUR terms and schedule. So find something that works for you, and stick to that - whether it's every day, once a week or just once a month!
SOURDOUGH SECRET #5:
There is a BIG learning curve with sourdough. I am still learning every, single day. I always tell people to never give up, and even if your dough doesn’t look or feel perfect, BAKE IT ANYWAYS! Allow yourself time to develop a feel for your sourdough and learn from your mistakes. Like most things in life, sourdough is a journey, enjoy the process!
SOURDOUGH SECRET #6:
Big holes, open crumb and fancy scoring in your bread may be overrated. I know, I get it. I often spend time watching videos and looking at photos of beautiful sourdough breads. But who says bread with a tighter crumb and minimal scoring isn’t just as good? Don’t aim for perfection, shoot for delicious, homemade bread for you and your family to enjoy.
Also, who actually determines what a "failed" loaf of bread is? If you like it, then it's a success! I personally don't like a super sour or dense flavor, that's MY preference, so I have learned to work around that, and if the bread comes out too dense, I often make croutons out of it!
CONCLUSION:
I hope that this post inspires you to feel less intimidated by sourdough, and to experiment more! 🫶🏻 Have fun with it, and remember to enjoy the journey and....BAKE IT ANYWAYS!
UPCOMING DECEMBER CLASSES:
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS:
Hard to believe it's already that time of year...and if you have anybody on your Christmas list this year who loves sourdough bread and baking! I have the perfect gift ideas:
Sourdough Kits - available in my Etsy Store
Sourdough Class - currently held in-person at my home in Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Sourdough Starter - available in my Etsy Store
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