How long does it take to create an active sourdough starter and what signs show it's ready?
Creating an active starter can take anywhere from 4 to 20 days. Use whole flour like whole-wheat or rye and non-chlorinated water. Look for bubbles and a pleasant smell as signs of readiness. Patience is key! Keep feeding and adjusting, and you'll get there. Happy baking!
Answered by Hendrik, The Bread Code
From the book
For some people the whole process of setting up a starter takes only 4 days. For others it can take 7 days, for some even 20 days. This depends on several factors including how good your wild microbes are at fermenting flour. Generally speaking, with each feeding your starter becomes more adapted to its environment. Your starter will become better at fermenting flour. That’s why a very old and mature starter you receive from a friend might be stronger than your own starter initially. Over time your sourdough starter will catch up. Similarly, modern baking yeast has been isolated like this from century old sourdough starters.
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