How to Activate Your Clear Creek Sourdough Starter

Thank you for purchasing a Clear Creek Sourdough dehydrated starter. This established starter has been carefully dried for long-term storage and can be reactivated in just a few days. Follow the steps below to bring your starter back to life and begin your sourdough journey.

Section 1: What You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon dehydrated starter flakes

• 2 tablespoons warm (not hot) water

• 2 tablespoons flour

• Clean glass jar

• Spoon or spatula

Section 2: Wake It Up

• Crush the dehydrated starter flakes into small pieces.

• Add 2 tablespoons warm water.

• Let sit for 30–60 minutes to soften.

• Stir in 2 tablespoons flour.

• Cover loosely and let sit at room temperature for 24 hours.

Section 3: Daily Feeding Routine

Your starter may take a few days to become active. It’s completely normal if you don’t see much activity at first. Just keep feeding daily.

Every 24 hours:

• Discard about half of the starter (no need to be exact).

• Add 2 tablespoons flour.

• Add 2 tablespoons water.

• Stir well.

• Cover loosely and leave at room temperature.

Repeat this process every day.

Section 4: What to Look For

After a few days, you should begin to notice:

• Bubbles throughout the starter.

• A slight rise after feeding.

• A pleasant, tangy sourdough aroma.

These are signs that the natural yeast and bacteria are becoming active.

Section 5: Ready to Bake

Your starter is ready to bake with when it consistently doubles in size within 4–6 hours after feeding. At this point, you can begin using it in your favorite sourdough recipes.

Section 6: Frequently Asked Questions

My starter isn’t bubbling yet.
This is normal during the first few days. Keep feeding every 24 hours and be patient.

There is liquid on top of my starter.
This is called hooch and is a sign that your starter is hungry. Stir it in or pour it off before feeding.

My starter smells sour.
A tangy, sour aroma is normal and means fermentation is occurring.

How often do I feed my starter after activation?
If stored in the refrigerator, feed about once a week. If kept at room temperature, feed daily.

Section 7: Need Help?

Questions? I’m happy to help.

Alice Wilson
Clear Creek Sourdough
Hendersonville, North Carolina

Website: www.clearcreeksourdough.com

Join my beginner-friendly Facebook group:
Blue Ridge Sourdough Community