Question

Can I shake my sourdough starter container with water and then put the same amount of flour in it for feeding instead of doing it the traditional way, where you need to combine flour and water first before combining with the starter?

Answer 1

While it's technically possible to shake your sourdough starter container with water and then add an equal amount of flour for feeding, it is not the traditional or recommended method. The traditional way involves combining flour and water separately before incorporating them into the starter. There are a few reasons for this:

1. Proper hydration: When you mix flour and water together first, it allows for thorough hydration of the flour particles. This ensures that the flour absorbs water evenly and promotes better gluten development. Shaking water directly onto the starter may not distribute the water evenly, leading to inconsistent hydration.

2. Starter consistency: By mixing the flour and water separately, you have better control over the consistency of your starter. You can adjust the hydration level by adding more or less water, which affects the overall texture and activity of the starter.

3. Mixing process: Mixing the flour and water together first allows for adequate gluten development. Gluten development is important because it provides structure to the bread and contributes to its texture. Simply shaking water onto the starter may not achieve the same level of gluten development.

While it's possible that shaking water onto the starter and then adding flour could still result in a viable starter, it may not be as reliable or consistent as the traditional method. It's generally recommended to follow the established process to ensure the best results.