How to Proof Yeast and Make Sourdough Starter

Sourdough Starter Working

For anyone new to baking with, and cultivating sourdough starter, it probably seems mysterious and daunting. When in actuality it is as easy as growing a house plant from seeds or cuttings. Yeast is a collection of edible living organisms that usually are purchased in powdered form in a sealed packet. The packet has an expiration date beyond which the yeast organisms are not expected to live. Be careful buying only those with enough time left for you to use.

The picture at the top shows a sourdough starter working well. It has swollen up, is bubbling and has developed a slightly sour and yeasty smell at this point. As it grows older with time and care (feeding), it will gradually get more sour smelling and tasting and make bread or whatever with a more sour flavor. The complete recipe with ingredients and preparation instructions is on our website HERE. It includes a proven recipe for sourdough bread which is delicious.

Yeast Proofing

A long time ago I heard about 'proofing' yeast and had to learn the hard way what that actually meant. The picture above is of one packet of yeast in 2 cups of warm water to which I have added 1/4 teaspoon of sugar and mixed thoroughly. The very slight discoloration and bubbling on the surface after 15 minutes is the proof that the yeast is alive and active and will work. It is not nearly as big a reaction as one will get after an hour or so with the addition of flour to make starter or bread; but that's about it...subtle. However if there is no bubbling or discoloration after 15 minutes, one would do well to start over with fresher yeast.

I hope this helps anyone who wants to use yeast or cultivate sourdough starter but wasn't sure if it would work. It is fairly easy and the starter will become like a member of your team working for you and in turn, requiring care and feeding...almost like a pet. LOL

Bon appetit,
Tom and Anita

How to Proof Yeast and Make Sourdough Starter