Natural Sour Wheat Starter

Name: Natural Sour Wheat Starter
Total time: 3 d
Yield: about 3 cups of starter
Ingredients: Juice of 2 oranges; 1/2 cup stone-ground whole wheat flour; 3 cups unbleached all-purpose or bread flour

Recipe from "The Best Bread Ever"

Adapted by Florence Fabricant

Total Time: 72 hours
Rating: 4(9)
Comments: Read comments

Featured in: The Care and Feeding Of a Wild Yeast

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Ingredients

Yield:about 3 cups of starter

Juice of 2 oranges
½cup stone-ground whole wheat flour
3cups unbleached all-purpose or bread flour

Ingredient Substitution Guide

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Preparation

Step 1
In a small bowl, mix the orange juice with the whole wheat flour. Transfer to a 2-quart plastic container, and set aside, covered, for 12 to 24 hours. A few bubbles will begin to form on the surface.
Step 2
Add 1 cup all-purpose or bread flour and 1 cup water that is 75 degrees; stir well. Cover, and set aside 12 hours at room temperature. It should become fairly bubbly.
Step 3
Measure the mixture, and discard half. Add ½ cup more flour and ¼ cup 75-degree water. Cover, and let stand for another 12 hours, or until the surface is bubbly. Transfer to a larger container, and repeat the feedings twice more: ½ cup flour and ¼ cup water every 12 hours.
Step 4
Then discard ⅓ of the mixture and add another ½ cup flour and ¼ cup water. Allow to ferment another 12 to 24 hours. The starter is ready to use.

Tip

The starter can be stored in the refrigerator and fed regularly to keep it alive. For more information, you can consult this book, ''Breads from La Brea Bakery'' or ''Amy's Bread.''