Discover the magic of homemade 'Everlasting Yeast,' a simple yet transformative recipe for crafting your own naturally fermenting sourdough starter. Using just unbleached all-purpose flour and filtered water, this five-to-seven-day process unlocks the power of wild yeasts and beneficial bacteria, creating a vibrant starter bursting with flavor and versatility. Perfect for the avid bread baker or fermentation enthusiast, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and only a bit of patience as you nurture tangy, bubbling life into your kitchen. Use your everlasting yeast to bake everything from artisan sourdough bread to fluffy pancakes, while enjoying the satisfaction of a sustainable, reusable starter. With straightforward fermentation steps and maintenance tips, 'Everlasting Yeast' empowers you to elevate your baking game while reducing reliance on store-bought yeast.
Day 1: In a clean non-metallic bowl or jar, combine 120 grams of unbleached all-purpose flour and 120 milliliters of filtered or spring water. Stir until no dry flour remains and you have a thick, paste-like consistency. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap to allow airflow, then place the container in a warm spot (about 22-27°C or 72-81°F).
Day 2: Check the mixture for bubbles and a slightly tangy smell, which indicates fermentation has begun. Always discard half of the mixture (approximately 120 grams) to prevent overgrowth. Add 120 grams of fresh flour and 120 milliliters of water to the remaining starter. Stir well, cover loosely, and return to its warm location.
Day 3: Repeat the process outlined in Day 2. By this stage, you should see more frequent bubbling, and the starter should have a mild yeasty aroma. This is a sign that your starter is becoming active.
Day 4: Continue feeding the starter by discarding half and replenishing with equal parts flour and water. You may begin to notice your starter doubling in size a few hours after feeding; this is the desired activity.
Day 5-7: Keep feeding daily, discarding half the starter and replenishing with 120 grams of flour and 120 milliliters of water each time. By the seventh day, your starter should consistently double in size within 4-6 hours of feeding, with a tangy and pleasant smell. At this point, it is mature and ready to use in recipes.
For Maintenance: If you bake regularly, continue feeding your starter once a day. If you bake less frequently, cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Feed it once a week to keep it alive, bringing it to room temperature before each feeding. Repeat the discard and feeding process as needed.
Pro Tip: Always save 1-2 tablespoons of your starter before baking to maintain the culture. If it ever appears sluggish, feed it twice a day to restore vitality.
Serving size | 241.7 grams (241.7g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 455 |
Total Fat 1.20g | 2% |
Saturated Fat 0.20g | 1% |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 2mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 95.40g | 35% |
Dietary Fiber 3.40g | 12% |
Total Sugars 0.30g | |
Protein 12.90g | 26% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 15mg | 1% |
Iron 4mg | 24% |
Potassium 107mg | 2% |
Source of Calories