Learn how to dehydrate sourdough starter as an excellent long-term storage solution. This is a great way to preserve your own sourdough starter for a long time, and a great insurance policy so that you never run out! It is so easy and simple.

As you go along on your sourdough journey, you will want to make sure your active sourdough stater never runs out. Even when you need break for hot, long days of summer, or maybe when you go on out of town, having a dry starter provides peace of mind!

You can also buy dehydrated sourdough starter. It comes with rehydrating instructions and my sourdough bread recipe.

Having dehydrated sourdough starter to easily activate for fresh starter is an amazing way to always have sourdough starter on hand. It’s easier than making your own starter again.

Drying sourdough starer is amazing for long term storage and to have as a backup. I also love being able to gift this to friends and family. It’s much easier to ship and have on hand for when someone you know want to try baking sourdough.

This complete guide will help you dehydrate your sourdough starter the easy way.

Learn how to create your own Sourdough Starter or try any of these sourdough recipes.

What Is a Dehydrated Sourdough Starter?

A sourdough starter is a fermented mixture of flour and water that uses wild, natural yeasts and good bacteria from the environment to create a natural leavening agent for bread baking.

Dehydrated sourdough starter is when you take active sourdough sourdough starter and dry it out until it is dried and flaky. This is perfect fo ling term storage. I love having it on hand for when I may need to take a break from sourdough baking.

A wet starter can be put on hold in your refrigerator but can even go bad after awhile. It requires feeding to maintain freshness. Starter in deyhydrated form has been dried in active state adn requires no further feeding until you are ready to bake with it. Once it is dried, it has entered into dormant state but the wild yeast and good bacteria has been kept intact.

Why Dehydrate Your Starter?

There are a few different reasons you may want to dehydrate sourdough starter.

• It’s a good idea to have dehydrated starter on hadn’t for the. you want to take a break, especially in hot kitchens over the summer.
• I like to have on hand for gifting friends and family, mailing, or for having a shelf-stable starter that is ready whenever you need.
• It’s a great option for those who want to pause the feeding process and take a sourdough baking break.
• Dry starter is a wonderful backup to your wet starter. The process doesn’t take long and is easy to always have your starter on hand.

Ways To Dry A Sourdough Starter

There are two simple ways to dry regular starter that keep it nice and active, ready to use:

Air dry

Food Dehydrator

Related Post: Simple Sourdough Bread Recipe

What You’ll Need:

• Active starter at its peak activity level
• Flour: Unbleached all-purpose, whole wheat flour, or bread flour.
• Water: Filtered warm water or bottled water. Avoid tap water.
• Glass jar or container: A clean jar. I love these Weck jars but a mason jar is great as well.
• Scale or measuring cups: Accuracy is key, so a digital kitchen scale is recommended. You can start your stater without one by using measuring cups, but you will need one once you start baking bread.
• Spoon or spatula: I like to use a small spatula or small, wooden spoon. Long handled works best. Avoid using metal spoons.
• Baking sheet or baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Food dehydrator – optional special equipment for speedier results

I’ve included affiliate links to my favorite sourdough baking supplies below.

Step-by-Step Guide to Easily Dehydrate Sourdough Starter

Step 1: Prep Your Active Sourdough Starter

• Make sure you have a mature sourdough starter or at least a healthy sourdough starter.
• Feed with equal parts lukewarm water and cup of unbleached flour. I like to do 30 grams of sourdough starter and 135 grams of each flour and water if you are using a digital scale. Sit it in a warm spot.
• Let it reach peak activity with lots of bubbles before beginning the drying process. You can do the float test to make sure it’s ready. Place a scoop of the new starter in cold water and it’s ready if it floats.

Step 2: Spread It Thin

• Line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or piece of parchment paper. I used parchment paper.
• Pour some of the mature starter (not all) on the parchment paper. Use an offset spatula to spread a very thin layer of starter. The thinner the better so it will dry quicker and this allows for good airflow and even drying

When preparing to dehydrate sourdough starter, aim for a smooth and even hydration sourdough starter spread across your baking sheet or silicone mat. This ensures consistent drying and prevents thicker areas from holding moisture, which could lead to mold and take longer to dry. A thin, uniform layer is key to a successful dehydration process and makes it easier to break into flakes or grind into powder once dry.

Step 3: Drying the Starter

There are a few different options when it comes to actually drying your starter. I do not have a food dehydrator so I used my oven (turned off) to dry my starter.

• Option 1: Air dry in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. This can take up to a couple of days. I use my oven for this so dust does not get into the starter. Make sure to not turn your oven on!
• Option 2: Use a food dehydrator on the lowest temperature (95°F) for 4–6 hours. This will be much faster!

Step 4: Break Into Pieces

• Once fully dry, your dried sourdough starter should be brittle, and should break very easily. If it doesn’t break easily and bends at all, it’s not ready. Let it dry some more.
• Now you can break the dry sourdough starter into small pieces so you can store dried starter chips. However small you need for storage will work.

You can break your starter up into large chunks or small flakes for storage. If you prefer a powder, you can even blend it up into a blender or food processor to create a fine powder form of your sourdough starter. This will depend on how you would like to store it.

Hey friends, please don’t forget to follow me over on Instagram! I post more photos and ideas over there. If you enjoyed this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would review it so others can find it and cook it as well. Sharing this recipe on Facebook or Pinterest is another great way you can help me out at not cost to you.

How to Store Your Dehydrated Starter

You will want to store your dehydrated sourdough starter in an airtight container, glass jar, or mason jar. I have also used a large ziplock bag, but this is best for short term storage of the dehydrated form.

Store in a cool dry place or dark place until you are ready to use it. Your pantry is perfect for this. Make sure to label your jar or storage bag with date and type of starter.

Favorite Sourdough Recipes: Easy Sourdough Sandwich Bread and White Chocolate Sourdough Discard Scone Recipe.

How to Rehydrate a Dehydrated Starter 

The process of rehydrating a sourdough starter is really easy for great success. It takes a few days to revive your starter and get your starter back up to maximum strength. I like to start each new day with a clan jar.

Day 1: Combine 5 grams dehydrated sourdough starter flakes with 25 grams of room temperature water. Stir and let this sit for an hour. After that, add 20 grams of flour and combine until the next day.

Day 2: Combine 10 grams of the starter mixture from the day before with 50 grams of water and 50 grams of flour. Combine until the next day.

Day 3: Combine 10 g starter mixture from the day before with 50 grams of water and 50 grams of flour. Combine until the next day.

Day 4: Combine 10 grams of mixture from the day before with 50 grams of water and 50 grams of flour. Let this sit overnight and the next day it your rehydrated starter will be ready to use in our Basic Sourdough Bread Recipe.

This Homemade Sourdough Discard Bagels Recipe is a great way to use your sourdough discard

FAQs and Troubleshooting

1. How long does a dehydrated starter last? Your dehydrated starter will last indefinitely if it is stored properly, in a cool, dry place.
2. Can you use sourdough discard to dehydrate? Yes, though active starter is preferred for best results. If you use sourdough discard to dry out, it will take more feedings to get it to its optimal strength to bake with.
3. What’s the best way to send dehydrate sourdough starter to friends? Dried starter is excellent for gifting and is best sent in small pieces in a glass jar or airtight container. I also like using these little food-grade Kraft bags that can be sealed.
4. Can you buy dried sourdough starter? Yes, I have some dehydrated sourdough starter in my Etsy shop if you prefer to buy it. It comes with instructions and my sourdough bread recipe.

Why It’s a Great Option for Long Term Storage

Dehydrating your starter is a simple process that acts as an insurance policy in case something happens to your sourdough starter. It’s also great to have in case you need a break during busy seasons, summer months, traveling, or gifting. I hope you give this simple process of drying your sourdough starter a try!

Keeping a dehydrated backup takes the pressure off the daily maintenance of the sourdough starter and ensures you always have something to fall back on. Unlike commercial yeast, your dried starter holds all the benefits of wild fermentation, without the need for ongoing feeding. 

Whether you’re taking a break, traveling, or just planning ahead, this method gives you freedom without extra cost. You’ll notice a noticeable difference in flavor and texture when you bring your sourdough to life again. Just rehydrate the proper grams of starter and you’re back in your rhythm!

Learn how to dehydrate sourdough starter easily!

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