Sourdough bread is experiencing a real boom — and for good reason. Not only is it delicious and aromatic, but it’s also full of health benefits. To make truly great bread, you need a healthy, active starter — and you must know exactly when it’s ready to use. Let’s break it down step by step.
How to Build a Starter from Scratch
For best results, use **whole rye flour** — it contains the highest concentration of natural microorganisms and enzymes. Whole wheat flour is also a good alternative.
Use bottled or spring water at **25–28 °C (77–82 °F)**. If the water is cooler than 21 °C (70 °F), fermentation will slow down and can take up to five days. Water that’s too warm (above 28 °C) can cause over-acidification, which means you’ll need to feed your starter more often.
A typical flour-to-water ratio is **1:1 by weight**, but you can adjust slightly to get the perfect consistency. Feed your starter with fresh flour and water every **12–24 hours** in the same ratio. Once you see bubbles forming and the volume increasing, you know the process is on track.
Signs Your Starter Is Ready
Here are some simple ways to check:
1. Watch the rise — In the early stage, the starter forms a dome. As it matures, the dome flattens. A flat top usually means it has reached its peak.
2. Smell the aroma — A ready starter has a pleasant, mild tang with fruity or yogurt-like notes — very different from its raw flour smell at the start.
3. Check the bubbles — Gently run a spatula along the surface. If you see a porous structure and hear a faint crackle, your starter is mature.
4. Test the volume — At 24–26 °C (75–79 °F), a mature starter will triple in size within 4–6 hours after feeding.
Learn More with Our Maru Expert Sourdough Bread Course
Want to go even deeper into the world of sourdough? Learn how to create the perfect starter and master every stage of baking an aromatic, flavorful loaf?
Join our 6-week “Your Own Bread” online course and gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience under the guidance of professional bakers.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, we’ll help you bake bread that’s beautiful, healthy, and irresistibly delicious.
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