Is it okay to use my starter directly from the fridge, or should I feed it before baking with it?

Question

Is it okay to use your starter directly from the fridge? Find out if you should feed it first to 'wake it up' before you start baking with it.

Answer 1

It's generally best to feed your starter after taking it out of the fridge and before using it for baking. This ensures it's active and strong enough to leaven your dough effectively.

Detailed Explanation:

When a sourdough starter is stored in the refrigerator, its activity slows down significantly. The cold temperature inhibits the yeast and bacteria, reducing their fermentation rate. While the starter remains viable, it's not at its peak performance.

Feeding the starter after removing it from the fridge accomplishes several things:

1. Wakes up the yeast and bacteria: The fresh flour provides a new source of food, stimulating their activity and reproduction.

2. Increases leavening power: An active starter produces more carbon dioxide, which is essential for making your bread rise.

3. Improves flavor: A well-fed starter contributes to a more complex and balanced flavor profile in your sourdough bread.

Ideally, you should feed your starter and allow it to double in size before using it. This usually takes 4-8 hours at room temperature, depending on the strength of your starter and the ambient temperature. You might need to feed it more than once to get it to peak activity.

Pro Tip:

If you're short on time, you *can* use the starter straight from the fridge, but expect a longer proofing time for your dough and potentially a less pronounced sourdough flavor. Consider using a slightly higher percentage of starter in your recipe to compensate for its reduced activity.