With the holidays coming up, and a lot of people traveling, I have been getting several questions regarding sourdough starters: "will mine be okay without being fed for a few weeks?" "Should I have someone come and feed my starter?" "Should I bring my starter with me?!"
Deep breath y'all. You and your starter will be just fine - although you might miss each other a little.
Here are a few things you can do with your starter while you're away:
REFRIGERATE YOUR STARTER: if your trip will only separate you and your starter for a short period of time - a week for example - store your starter in the refrigerator. Just feed it the day before you leave, let it bubble up for a few hours, then place it into the fridge. When you get home, take it out, feed it as you normally do. Remember, after being in the fridge, your starter may need a few feedings before it perks up again.
FREEZE YOUR STARTER: If you’ll be away for a longer period, freeze a spoonful or two of your starter for several months. Even if you stay home for another year, you may want to stash a bit of starter in the freezer just in case! Should anything happen to your beloved jar of starter— like mold, accidental death when you store your starter in the oven to keep it warm and forget about it, or you accidentally use all of it for a recipe, leaving nothing behind.
While heat will kill the live bacteria and yeasts in your sourdough starter, cold temperatures will merely anesthetize them. When you return from your trip, remove your starter from the freezer and let it thaw on the counter. Once thawed, feed it it’s usual meal. It may require two or three dinners to perk back up. While I have never personally had to do this, I know people who have and I'm so thankful for the option when and if the time comes that I need to do it!
3. DEHYDRATE YOUR STARTER: I have dehydrated my sourdough starter several times - mostly to sell it on my Etsy storefront, but also to have some for those just in case moments (listed above). Remember, if you choose to do this, it requires a few days, so you'll have to plan ahead and do it in advance.
4. TAKE YOUR STARTER WITH YOU: If you're traveling by plane: add some starter to a ziploc bag (double bagged), remove as much air as possible and place the starter into your checked luggage. Once you arrive at your destination, place it into a jar and feed it normally.
If you're traveling by car: before you leave, feed your starter and place it into a small jar. Put it into the cup holder to prevent spilling. You can also place it into a cooler if it's going to be hot.
That's it! Remember, your sourdough starter is so much more resilient than you think - I know people who have left theirs (untouched) in the fridge for months at a time! While I don't recommend doing this, just keep it in mind when you're afraid to leave yours - you are ALLOWED to leave your sourdough starter.
Also, where are you going?! HAVE FUN!
Upcoming Classes & other "things":
Upcoming 2024 Classes
Friday, January 12th 2-3:30pm (only a few spots left!)
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I am offering Private Classes in 2024 in the comfort of your own home! It can be just for YOU or for an event with family and friends - stay tuned for details this week!
Sourdough Kits - the perfect holiday gift! Order soon so it will arrive by Christmas.
Digital Recipe Book - another great holiday gift idea for you or a loved one, now available for purchase.
Next Bread Drop - final bread drop of 2024, Sunday, December 24. Get your orders in this week! And new on the menu: Sourdough Chocolate Chip Muffins - perfect for Christmas morning.
Spreading love, one loaf at a time.
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