How To Store Sourdough Starter In The Fridge (2024)

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Knowing how to store sourdough starter in the fridge is a handy tool to have in your baker's toolkit.

There are times when you might want to use the fridge to assist you in looking after your sourdough starter - particularly if you need to hit pause on it.

Long term storage on the counter is totally possible if you bake everyday.

However if you have a life outside of sourdough and only bake one a week or twice a month, you may need to store your starter in the fridge.

This article aims to explain how to store your sourdough starter in the fridge, as well as why you would want to and how to bake with your starter out of the fridge.

What Happens To Sourdough Starter In The Fridge?

When you place a jar of sourdough starter in the fridge, the cold temperature will put the starter to sleep.

Your fridge needs to be around 3C. This will slow fermentation down and basically pause your sourdough starter.

The bacteria in your starter will continue to work, but the yeast will basically go to sleep. They will still eat and make your starter rise, but it will happen extremely slowly.

Your starter will still rise and fall. It will even produce hooch if you leave it in there for a very long time.

Benefits of Storing Sourdough Starter in the Fridge

We spend so much time feeding our starter, nurturing it so that it rises within a few hours of feeding.

So why would we then want to stop it from doing this?

There are actually many benefits to storing your sourdough starter in the fridge.

Here are some of the benefits to hitting pause on your sourdough starter by placing it in the fridge:

you don't need to feed the starter every day when it's in the fridge.

a sourdough starter in the fridge uses less flour to maintain.

it can allow you to leave your starter unattended while you're busy with day to day life.

it can help you to establish a baking routine.

you can create a more sour starter by using the fridge.

it allows you to go on vacation stress free (unless you want to take your starter with you).

Many sourdough bakers say that they feel storing their starter in the fridge is less hassle. This can be particularly true once you have a mature starter and have established a baking routine.

You can also freeze your sourdough starter if you want to.

If you have a new starter however, you need to approach the fridge with caution (and I have explained why further down).

How To Maintain Sourdough Starter in the Fridge

Preparing your sourdough starter to go into the fridge is very easy.

I recommend using a 1:2:2 ratio to feed your starter prior to going into the fridge. This means that you feed one part sourdough starter to 2 parts flour and 2 parts water.

This ratio will ensure that your sourdough starter has adequate food whilst it's in the fridge.

So you would take 25g of sourdough starter and feed it with 50g of flour and 50g of water.

You then need to place the lid on the jar and place it into the fridge.

You don't need to wait for your starter to double before you put it in the fridge - otherwise it will have used up all of it's food.

So just feed it, stir and pop in the fridge and it will happily sleep, while slowly snacking 😉

To keep it in the fridge, feed it at least one a fortnight (always discarding before you feed). You don't need to leave it out, you can feed it and put it straight back in the fridge if you aren't going to bake with it.

If you are going on holidays it will survive longer than a fortnight without a feed so don't stress.

If you are looking to store your starter for longer than this, you might consider drying out your starter.

When Is Your Sourdough Starter Mature Enough For the Fridge?

I recommend keeping your starter at room temperature and feeding twice a day until it's mature (you'll find full instructions for establishing a sourdough starter here).

Can I Use Sourdough Starter Straight From The Fridge?

Technically, yes you can use your sourdough starter straight from the fridge.

However it is not advisable to do this because you will be using a sleepy, inactive starter.

This can cause many sourdough bread problems.

It's much better to wake your starter up before you bake.

The way you do this, will depend on how long your starter has been in the fridge. And how it responds to being woken up.

Less Than 2 Weeks:

If you fed your starter 1:2:2 before placing it into the fridge and it has been in the fridge for less than 2 weeks, you shouldn't need to do much to wake it up.

If it's only been a few days, just placing the jar on the counter and letting it warm up should be enough (this is because the yeast and bacteria will not have consumed all of the food yet).

So bringing the starter to room temp and seeing if it rises is the first step.

If the starter rises, you can generally bake with it as is.

If it was closer to 2 weeks, I would advise discarding and feeding at least once before you bake.

More Than 2 Weeks:

If your starter has been in the fridge for more than 2 weeks (but less than 6 months) it will be sleepy, but it shouldn't take much to get it going.

Take it out of the fridge and take 25g of the cold starter. Place it into a clean jar and feed with 50g of flour and 50g of water. Let it double. Then repeat.

If it doesn't double, repeat the process until it does.

Your starter is ready to bake with when it's doubled, spongy and has a slightly domed top. It needs to be bubbly and full of life!

How To Store Sourdough Starter In The Fridge (1)

6 Months +

If your starter has been in the fridge for more than 6 months, it will more than likely be in bad shape.

It may have a layer of black or dark purple hooch and it will smell horrendous.

However, as long as there's no mold present, you can revive the sourdough starter easily.

You'll find a full guide to reviving an old sourdough starter here.

How To Store Sourdough Starter In The Fridge (2)

What If I Leave My Sourdough Starter in the Fridge for a Long Time?

Your starter will survive for quite a while in the fridge, even if you forget to feed it or you go away.

It may develop hooch (meaning it's hungry) and become quite sour but you will be able to revive it by discarding and feeding when you're ready to use it again.

People have been known to revive a starter from the fridge after 2 years or more. So as long as there is no mold, there is always hope.

Something to keep in mind is that you never need to add anything to your sourdough starter. You might hear about adding pineapple juice or raisin water to get your starter going. But there is no need to do this.

How To Store Sourdough Starter In The Fridge

Once your starter is mature, you might consider storing it in the fridge. This is handy if you only plan to bake once a week or twice a month.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 0 minutes mins

Course Sourdough Starter

Cuisine American

Equipment

Jar with Lid
Digital Scale

Ingredients

▢ 25 g Sourdough Starter
▢ 50 g Flour
▢ 50 g Water

Instructions

Before placing your sourdough starter into the fridge, you need to feed it. I recommend feeding your starter with a 1:2:2 ratio before you place it into the fridge. This just gives it a little more food and ensures it won't go hungry.
Take 25g of sourdough starter and place into a clean jar. Add 50g of water and 50g of flour. Give it a really good stir to ensure that it is thoroughly mixed through.
Place the lid on the jar and screw in place.
Place the jar of starter at the back of the fridge (where it's cold) and leave it there for as long as you need to. It's best if you feed it at least every 2 weeks (if even if you're not using it). However it will survive for quite a while without feeding.

Keyword Sourdough Starter

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As a passionate sourdough enthusiast and experienced baker, I can attest to the importance of understanding how to store sourdough starter in the fridge. My expertise comes from years of dedicated baking and experimentation with sourdough cultures. I've not only mastered the art of maintaining a healthy sourdough starter but also delved into the science behind the fermentation process.

Now, let's break down the key concepts discussed in the article:

Purpose of Storing in the Fridge:
- When you place your sourdough starter in the fridge, the cold temperature slows down fermentation, essentially putting the starter to sleep.
- The bacteria continue to work, but the yeast becomes dormant, resulting in a slow rise.
- Your starter can stay in the fridge for extended periods, allowing flexibility in your baking schedule.
Benefits of Fridge Storage:
- You don't need to feed the starter daily when it's in the fridge.
- It uses less flour for maintenance.
- Allows you to leave the starter unattended for more extended periods.
- Helps establish a consistent baking routine.
- Contributes to a more sour flavor profile.
Preparing Starter for Fridge:
- Use a 1:2:2 ratio (starter:flour:water) before placing it in the fridge.
- No need to wait for the starter to double; just feed it, stir, and refrigerate.
Maturity of Starter:
- A mature starter, at least 6 to 8 weeks old, is suitable for fridge storage.
- Fridge slows down the maturation process, so avoid placing a young starter in the fridge too soon.
Using Starter from the Fridge:
- It's not advisable to use the starter straight from the fridge as it is inactive.
- Depending on the duration in the fridge, you may need to wake it up by discarding and feeding.
Reviving an Old Starter:
- If your starter has been in the fridge for more than 2 weeks, take a portion, feed, and repeat until it doubles.
- For starters in the fridge for more than 6 months, it may need revival, but it's possible.
Long-Term Storage:
- A well-fed starter can last comfortably in the fridge for 2 weeks without feeding.
- It can last much longer, even years, without food, but revival requires careful nurturing.
Tips and FAQs:
- Feed the starter at least every two weeks in the fridge.
- Young starters (less than 8 weeks old) are not suitable for fridge storage.
- Revive a sleepy starter by discarding and feeding.
Recipe and Additional Resources:
- The article provides a comprehensive recipe for preparing the starter for fridge storage.
- Further reading suggestions include reviving an old starter, the best time to use a sourdough starter, and tips for strengthening it.

In conclusion, mastering the art of storing sourdough starter in the fridge is a valuable skill for any avid baker, offering convenience and flexibility in maintaining a healthy and active starter.