Sourdough Discard 101 – #TWFDecoded

While building a sourdough starter, there is a startling amount of starter that gets thrown out, also called as discard.

The discarded starter’s flour is already fermented, and adds a distinctive sourdough flavor to the recipe. Thus, instead of ditching the discard, use it to make healthy and delicious treats!

Following are some dos and don’ts for your starter :

DOs for your starter

– Keep the starter covered when you are not working with it
– Use unbleached, freshly ground flours (wink wink – like TWF of course) for a healthy bubbly starter
– Dehydrate some of the starter and preserve it for future use
– Keep the flour you use to feed the starter in a sealed container to avoid it being cross-contaminated

DOs for your starter

– Don’t use metal bowls or utensils to store your starter, instead try using glass jars
– For active starters, don’t seal the lid too tightly, instead remember to “burp” your starter to release the gases created during fermentation
– Don’t throw away excess starter. If not baking with the discard, you can use it as a pure carbon source for compost

How can you reduce Sourdough Discard?

– If you do not bake with your starter often, store it in the refrigerator and feed it every 2 – 3 weeks or so
– Give your starter a micro-feeding : Feed your tiny starter with minimal water and flour
– If you still feel it’s too much discard – feel free to freeze it for future use!

Following are some delicious handpicked recipes with sourdough discard from our community for you to try!

Cinnamon Sugar Discard Cookies
by @Butterhalves

An unique step-up from the basic cinnamon sugar cookies, these have a mellow sour taste from the discard – perfect for snacking on a healthy diet!

Sourdough Discard Buns
by @Kasha Breads

Soft buns made from sourdough discard, with a pleasantly surprising cheesy bite, these pair up wonderfully as sides to your mains for a scrumptious feast!

Sourdough Jalebi
by @Bhoomika Aggarwal

An uncommon yet very welcome twist (literally!) to your discard recipes, this jalebi recipe will have you reaching for more with every bite!

Sourdough Discard Crackers
by @Jugnibakes

Crackers go well with any dip – hummus, ketchup, mayonnaise, and especially with Indian chutneys! Make these appetising crackers for any occasion, as it is impossible to go wrong with them!