How to Rehydrate Dehydrated Sourdough Starter: A Simple Day-by-Day Guide
- Mary Chadd
- Jul 17
- 2 min read
Dehydrated sourdough starter is a live culture that has been dried for safe storage and shipping. Rehydrating it is less about following an exact clock and more about giving the culture warmth, fresh flour, water, and time to become active again.
What You Need
Dehydrated sourdough starter flakes
Unbleached all-purpose or bread flour
Room-temperature or slightly warm water
A clean jar with a loose-fitting lid
Day 1: Soften the Starter
Place the dried starter in a clean jar and add just enough water to soften the flakes. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, then stir in a small amount of flour until it resembles a thick batter. Cover loosely and keep it in a comfortably warm place.
Day 2: Begin Regular Feedings
You may see only a few bubbles at first. Keep 25 to 50 g of the starter and feed it equal weights of flour and water. A simple feeding is 50 g starter, 50 g water, and 50 g flour. Stir well, mark the level on the jar, and keep it warm.
Days 3 to 5: Watch for Strength
Continue feeding every 12 to 24 hours, depending on how quickly it rises and falls. As it strengthens, it should produce more bubbles, develop a pleasantly tangy aroma, and begin rising predictably after feeding.
How to Know It Is Ready to Bake
It doubles or nearly doubles after feeding.
The rise happens consistently for at least two feedings in a row.
The starter has bubbles throughout, not only on the surface.
It smells fresh, yeasty, and lightly tangy.
Warm-Kitchen Tips
At around 75°F or warmer, a revived starter may move quickly. Feed it before it becomes completely collapsed and sharply acidic. In a cooler kitchen, expect the process to take longer and place the jar near, but not directly on, a gentle heat source.
When to Start Over
Start over if the culture shows unusual colored growth or an unmistakably spoiled odor. A gray liquid layer or acetone-like smell usually means the starter is hungry.
Patience is the most important ingredient. Myrtle may wake up quickly, or she may need several days of steady care before she is ready to raise bread again.
Bring Myrtle Into Your Kitchen
Start with Myrtle’s Sourdough Pantry Starter Kit, then use your revived starter in our beginner-friendly basic loaf recipe.
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