When making a new batch of sourdough starter, the frequency of changing the water will depend on the specific method or recipe you are following. There are various approaches to creating a sourdough starter, and each method may have slightly different instructions.
One common method for creating a sourdough starter involves a daily feeding routine, which includes discarding a portion of the starter and replenishing it with fresh flour and water. In this method, you typically start with equal parts (by weight) of flour and water and then, at regular intervals, such as once every 24 hours, remove a portion of the starter and refresh it with a new mixture of flour and water.
For example, the daily feeding routine might look like this:
Day 1: Mix equal parts of flour and water to create the initial starter. Day 2: Discard half of the starter and add fresh flour and water to the remaining half. Day 3: Repeat the same process—discard half and feed with fresh flour and water. Day 4: Continue with the daily discard and feeding.
You may continue this process for several days until the starter becomes active, bubbly, and has a tangy aroma. At this point, some recipes may call for a less frequent feeding schedule, such as every 12 hours or even every few days, depending on how you plan to use and store your sourdough starter.
It's important to closely follow the specific instructions provided in the sourdough starter recipe you are using. Additionally, the ambient temperature and other environmental factors can influence how quickly your starter develops and how often you need to feed it.
Once your sourdough starter is established and active, you can adjust the feeding frequency based on your baking schedule and storage preferences. If you plan to bake with it regularly, you may want to maintain a more frequent feeding routine to keep the starter strong and healthy.
Remember that sourdough starters are resilient and forgiving, so don't be afraid to experiment and find a feeding schedule that works best for you and your baking needs.