Should I have the lid on or off? Should the lid be screwed on? Where should you store it when you're not baking with it? These are all common sourdough starter questions I get. So today, I wanted to answer some of them.
Lid On or Off?
Ideally, your sourdough starter should be loosely covered with a lid or paper towel (secured with a rubber band) to keep out things like fruit flies and other debris floating around in the air. A loose lid will also stop it from drying out. DON'T screw the lid on tightly because sourdough starters emit gas which can build up in the jar and cause it to explode. Remember, your starter is ALIVE!
While the short answer is that you should loosely cover your sourdough starter, there exceptions, like when you are storing your starter in the fridge - in this case, you will want a tight fitting lid.
Does My Starter Need to Breathe?
Sourdough starters do not in fact breathe and therefore do not need to have access to fresh air (something I didn't know when I first started baking). However, the organisms in your sourdough starter do release carbon dioxide - a gas that can build up inside your starter jar.
If there is not enough space left in the jar, or a way for the gas to escape, the jar will shatter. And when you do not have any remaining sourdough starter, this can be a terrible experience! I do not recommend trying to save a sourdough starter from a shattered jar because of the risk of glass shards remaining in your starter - this has happened to me, and thankfully I had a back up!
Can I Leave My Sourdough Starter Uncovered?
I don't recommend leaving your starter uncovered - it can attract flies and other bugs, plus you don't want to risk anything unwanted falling into the jar and potentially ruining your beloved starter.
If you really want to avoid using a lid, then I suggest a paper towel or coffee filter secured with an elastic band is the best option.
Where Should I Store My Sourdough Starter When I'm Not Using it?
Your sourdough starter can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge. If you are making bread and feeding it regularly (at least once a week), it can be left out at room temperature.
If you don't plan to use it, or are leaving town for a bit, store it in the fridge - I almost always keep mine in the refrigerator unless I'm using it consistently - this is because I don't want to have to feed it regularly if it's not being used. To do this, I feed it as normal, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours, then I place it in the fridge.
What Exactly is Happening Inside my Sourdough Starter Jar?
SO MUCH IS HAPPENING inside that little (or big!) jar - even when you aren't seeing bubbles or much noticeable activity.
The bacteria and yeast are feeding on the flour after the water is added. These sugars are consumed by the yeast and bacteria and turned into CO2, acids and ethanol - this is what causes it to rise.
Science is happening in your kitchen and right before your very eyes! I often joke with my sourdough classes that I am a kitchen scientist!
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And if you want to purchase my very healthy and active Sourdough Starter "Ro," she is available in my Etsy Store. Click the photo below for details.
Spreading love, one loaf at a time.