How to Dry a Sourdough Starter with A Dehydrator
Preserve your sourdough starter for long-term storage with this simple dehydration process. Dried starter can be stored for months in an airtight container and rehydrated whenever you’re ready to bake!
Ingredients
- Active sourdough starter at peak activity
- Parchment paper and a spatula
- Dehydrator
- Airtight container like a Mason jar, for storing the dried starter
- Stir stick for gift giving
- How to Rehydrate Recipe Card Included at end of this post
Instructions
- Prepare the Starter: Start with a healthy sourdough starter that has been fed and reached peak activity. A mature sourdough starter is ideal for drying.
Spread on Tray: Spread a very thin layer of starter across a parchment paper. The thinner, the better, to reduce drying time and ensure that the starter dries evenly.
Set the Dehydrator: Set the to around 95°F and let the drying process continue for 24-48 hours until the starter is brittle and completely dried. This low-temperature drying is the best way to preserve the good bacteria and yeast spores in your starter. In general, a sourdough starter begins to get too hot and may start dying off at temperatures around 113°F (45°C) or higher. At these temperatures, the wild yeasts and beneficial bacteria are at risk, so keeping the drying process below 100°F is ideal for preserving the starter’s viability.
Break into Small Pieces: Once dried, break the starter into small pieces or dried sourdough starter chips. Using a food processor is an easy way to turn the dried form into powder if preferred, which can be helpful for long-term storage in a Mason jar or airtight container.
Store in an Airtight Container: Transfer the dried starter chips to a clean jar. Use a rubber band and plastic wrap or an airtight lid to seal the jar and keep the starter dry. Store in a cool dry place away from sunlight for a very long time.
Notes
Ideal Thickness
Spreading your starter in a very thin layer helps it dry faster and more evenly. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. Checking for Full Dehydration
Your starter should feel dry, brittle, and snap easily when broken. Any remaining moisture can reduce shelf life, so make sure it’s fully dry before storing. Storage Tips
Store the dried starter in an airtight container, like a Mason jar with a rubber-sealed lid, to keep it from absorbing moisture.
Keep in a cool, dry place away from light, like a pantry or cupboard, to maintain its quality for up to a year. Using the Dehydrated Starter
When you’re ready to bake, rehydrate your dried starter by following the reactivation instructions. It’s like bringing your starter back to life, and it will be just as bubbly and active as before with a few feedings. Great for Sharing
Dried starter makes a wonderful gift! Package it in small jars or bags with rehydration instructions for friends or family who want to begin their sourdough journey. Troubleshooting
If you notice any off smells, discoloration, or mold during storage, it may mean that moisture has gotten in. Discard the starter and try dehydrating a fresh batch to avoid any issues with mold or contamination.
Spreading your starter in a very thin layer helps it dry faster and more evenly. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. Checking for Full Dehydration
Your starter should feel dry, brittle, and snap easily when broken. Any remaining moisture can reduce shelf life, so make sure it’s fully dry before storing. Storage Tips
Store the dried starter in an airtight container, like a Mason jar with a rubber-sealed lid, to keep it from absorbing moisture.
Keep in a cool, dry place away from light, like a pantry or cupboard, to maintain its quality for up to a year. Using the Dehydrated Starter
When you’re ready to bake, rehydrate your dried starter by following the reactivation instructions. It’s like bringing your starter back to life, and it will be just as bubbly and active as before with a few feedings. Great for Sharing
Dried starter makes a wonderful gift! Package it in small jars or bags with rehydration instructions for friends or family who want to begin their sourdough journey. Troubleshooting
If you notice any off smells, discoloration, or mold during storage, it may mean that moisture has gotten in. Discard the starter and try dehydrating a fresh batch to avoid any issues with mold or contamination.