How To Wake Up Your Dehydrated Starter Kit
Bring your GG’s sourdough starter back to life and get it ready for baking.
Your dehydrated starter kit has been carefully prepared so you can start your own sourdough journey at home. It just needs a little time, warmth and feeding to wake it back up.
Don’t worry if it feels slow at first, sourdough is a living thing, and every kitchen is a little different.
What You'll Need
- Your GG’s dehydrated starter
- Plain flour or strong white bread flour
- Room temperature water
- A clean jar or container
- A spoon
- A loose fitting lid, cloth or kitchen paper
- A warm spot in your kitchen
Step 1: Add your dehydrated starter to a jar
Place your dehydrated starter flakes into a clean jar or container.
Add a small splash of water and let it sit for around 10 to 15 minutes to soften.
Then stir until the flakes start to break down.
Step 2: First feed
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon water
Stir well until fully mixed. The texture should be like a thick paste.
Cover loosely. Don’t seal the jar tightly, as your starter needs to breathe.
Leave it somewhere warm for around 12 to 24 hours.
Step 3: Second feed
After 12 to 24 hours, you may start to see a few bubbles. If you don’t, that’s okay.
Add:
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon water
Stir well, cover loosely again, and leave for another 12 to 24 hours.
Step 4: Build it up
Once you start seeing bubbles and a slightly tangy smell, you can begin feeding it a little more.
Add:
2 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons water
Stir, cover loosely, and leave again.
Your starter should gradually become more bubbly and active over the next couple of days.
Step 5: When is it ready to bake with?
Your starter is ready when it:
- Bubbles up after feeding
- Smells pleasantly tangy, yeasty or slightly fruity
- Rises and falls in the jar
- Looks lively and active
This usually takes around 3 to 5 days, depending on the warmth of your kitchen.
A few helpful tips
Keep it warm, not hot
A warm kitchen spot helps your starter wake up. Avoid direct heat or putting it somewhere too hot.
Use clean utensils
A clean jar and spoon help keep your starter healthy.
Don’t panic if it looks quiet
Some starters take a little longer to wake up, especially in cooler kitchens.
Smell is normal
A tangy, yeasty or slightly fruity smell is good. If it smells unpleasant, mouldy, or you see fuzzy mould, discard it and get in touch.
Once your starter is active
Once your starter is bubbly and rising after feeds, you can use it to bake your first loaf.
Keep a little starter back in the jar, feed it again, and continue looking after it for future bakes.
Need help?
If you bought your starter kit from GG’s and you’re unsure whether it’s ready, send over a photo and we’ll happily help.
Need a starter kit or a fresh loaf while yours wakes up?