Discover the simplicity and richness of Einkorn sourdough starter – a rich part of family traditions and wholesome baking. There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through a kitchen – a scent that transcends time and connects generations. At the heart of this tradition lies the art of sourdough breadmaking. This practical guide delves into the art of creating and nurturing your own Einkorn sourdough starter, ensuring that the warmth of family breadmaking traditions lives on.
The Basics of Einkorn Sourdough Starter
Einkorn sourdough starter is a fermented culture that comes to life when all-purpose Einkorn flour and water are combined and allowed to ferment. This creates a living ferment that boosts your baking. It works like active dry yeast to raise the dough, but keep in mind, that the rising process for a sourdough starter has its own pace, a bit different from the quick rise of dry yeast.
If you’re just stepping into the world of Einkorn wheat flour, consider it a journey back in time. Einkorn, often dubbed the original wheat, traces its roots to the Middle East and has graced tables worldwide for thousands of years. This ancient grain isn’t making a comeback; it’s asserting its enduring presence.
What sets it apart in the modern kitchen? It boasts higher nutritional value compared to modern wheat varieties. Einkorn wheat flour carries a different kind of gluten, making it a preferred choice for individuals with gluten sensitivities. Many people tell me that it doesn’t cause them the same issues they encountered with conventional wheat.
If you would like to learn more about Einkorn wheat, you can read our article. You can also read our best tips for using Einkorn flour to help you avoid costly mistakes.
Crafting an active sourdough starter involves capturing a thriving community of wild yeasts that are always in the air. In times past, this process was easier. The use of modern cleaning agents, designed to eliminate both beneficial and harmful microorganisms, has made it more challenging to cultivate these wild yeasts essential for sourdough fermentation.
Benefits of Sourdough Starter
- Improved Gut Health
Active sourdough, rich in beneficial bacteria, can contribute to a healthier gut microbiome. These friendly bacteria, including lactobacilli, play a crucial role in supporting digestion and overall gut health.- By fostering a balanced microbial environment, active sourdough can potentially enhance nutrient absorption and promote a resilient digestive system.
- Regulated Blood Sugar Levels
The unique fermentation process in active sourdough may have positive effects on blood sugar regulation. Research suggests that sourdough fermentation could lead to lower blood glucose levels compared to non-fermented bread. - Easier Digestion
The presence of lactic acid bacteria in sourdough contributes to the breakdown of complex carbohydrates, making it easier for the body to digest. This can lead to a gentler digestion process, reducing the likelihood of digestive discomfort often associated with non-fermented bread. - Decreased Gluten Sensitivity
The fermentation process breaks down gluten proteins to some extent, potentially making sourdough a more digestible option for those sensitive to gluten. - Higher Nutritional Value
Fermentation enhances the nutritional profile of sourdough by increasing the availability of vitamins and minerals. - Reduced Phytic Acid
Phytic acid, a binding agent, is reduced during sourdough fermentation. This enhances the absorption of minerals, allowing the body to utilize them more effectively. - Time-Tested Method
Sourdough’s effectiveness as a leavening agent has been validated over thousands of years. It can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians. Its reliability in producing risen, flavorful bread attests to its enduring role in traditional baking methods. - Versatility
The versatility of sourdough extends beyond bread-making. The “wild yeast” and lactic acid bacteria present in sourdough can be harnessed to create a variety of baked goods, from artisanal loaves to pancakes and pastries. One of our favorites is our Sourdough bread recipe, we even make it in the bread machine during the summer.
Essential Einkorn Sourdough Starter Lessons
- Your sourdough is said to be living and it changes with changes in your home. It won’t behave the same every time; it’s uniquely yours!
- Temperature affects the pace of your sourdough’s development. Warmer environments speed things up, while cooler settings slow them down.
- Choose your water wisely – if it carries chlorine or fluoride, opt for filtered or bottled water. Although we are on a spring-fed water system, we use our Berkey water filter for cooking and drinking.
- The type of flour you use influences texture, flavor, and rise time.
- The flavor of your sourdough intensifies as the starter ages. If you have a mature starter and your recipe says to use a large starter-to-flour ratio, brace yourself for a robustly flavored bread. For instance, a high ratio would be around 1 ¾ cups of starter to 3 cups of flour.
- Want a milder sourdough taste? Adjust the flavor by reducing the amount of starter in the recipe and compensate for the difference with warm water. This tweak ensures a lighter, more delicate flavor.
- Creating a thriving Einkorn sourdough starter is a patient 5-6 day process. I have had them be ready in 3 days but 3-6 is a good rule of thumb.
- After baking, give your sourdough starter a break by storing it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake again. Take it out of the fridge two days before your next baking session. This allows it to return to room temperature and get “activated” by the process of “feeding” it.
- When it comes to storage, opt for a glass jar and avoid using plastic and metal containers that can impart undesirable tastes to your starter.
- Ensure proper aeration by using a loosely fitting lid or covering with a breathable cloth. If your lid is metal, make sure to poke holes to allow gases to escape.
- In the old days, they kept their sourdough in a warm spot, feeding it regularly to keep it alive. They used theirs frequently, if not daily, where most people now refrigerate their starter due to less frequent use.
- I personally store my starter in a cabinet next to the refrigerator, as it happens to be the warmest spot in my kitchen when I’m using it frequently, like during the holiday season.
- Expect your starter to separate; it’s a normal occurrence. When you feed it, it will incorporate just fine.
- Metal utensils are a no-no when working with your sourdough as they can impart a metallic taste to the yeast. Instead, opt for wooden spoons to maintain the authentic flavor. These are my favorite wooden spoons.
- To safeguard against mold and unwanted bacteria, consider transferring your starter to a clean, sterilized jar with every other feeding.
Watch the Video For This Article
How to Make an Einkorn Flour Sourdough Starter
Ingredients
- 1 Cup of all-purpose Einkorn flour
- 1 Cup of Warm water (105-115 degrees F)
Equipment
- One-quart glass mason jar or glass jar with a loose-fitting lid
- Loose-fitting lid, cheesecloth, or a crocheted dish rag
Instructions
- Day One
- Combine 1 cup of warm water and 1 cup of all-purpose Einkorn flour in a one-quart glass mason jar.
- Cover the jar with a loose-fitting lid, cheesecloth, or a crocheted dish rag to allow the starter to capture the wild yeasts and allow gasses to escape.
- Let the mixture sit undisturbed at room temperature for two days, keeping it out of direct sunlight.
- Day Three (Morning):
- Feed your starter by adding 1 cup of all-purpose Einkorn flour and 1 cup of warm water (105-115 degrees F).
- Use a wooden spoon for mixing, avoiding metal utensils that may react with the acids and leave a metallic taste.
- Allow it to sit for two hours and check for bubbles or a foamy layer on top.
- Day Three (Afternoon):
- If bubbles or a foamy layer are present, your starter is ready for bread-making.
- If not, wait another two hours and check again. If there are still no bubbles, feed it an additional 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup warm water. Let it sit in a warm location overnight.
- Day Four (Morning):
- If bubbles are visible, your sourdough starter is thriving and ready to use for baking.
- If not, you can feed it again with 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup warm water.
- You can let it sit until day 5 or 6 to see if it’s alive, but usually, if there are no bubbles at all on day 4 it’s dead and you’ll need to start over.
Feeding and Maintaining Your Einkorn Sourdough Starter
Feeding your sourdough starter is essential for its vitality and performance in baking. The optimal timing for feeding largely depends on your usage pattern and storage preferences.
If you keep your starter refrigerated and plan to bake, you must allow it to come to room temperature. To do this, take the starter out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for at least 24 hours, but 48 is ideal.
For starters kept at room temperature, a daily feeding of 1/4 cup warm water and 1/4 cup all-purpose Einkorn flour will maintain its health and liveliness. It needs to be fed at least once a week.
Keep an eye on its activity, and if you notice a decrease in bubbles and foaming, it’s a clear signal that your sourdough starter is hungry and ready for another meal of flour and water.
Regular feeding, whether preparing for a bake or simply maintaining, ensures a robust and flavorful sourdough starter.
Feeding Your Sourdough Starter For Bread Making
If you keep your Einkorn sourdough starter at room temperature and you’ve been feeding it every day, you may already have enough starter to bake when you’re ready. If not, feed it until you have the amount of starter required for the recipe.
For larger families or those planning to bake weekly, leaving the starter out of the refrigerator in a warm place, similar to the practices of old-timers, is a great option.
- In the morning, add 1/4 cup of very warm water (105-115 degrees F) and 1/4 cup of all-purpose Einkorn flour. Thoroughly combine the mixture and cover it with a loosely woven rag or a loosely fitting lid.
- Before bedtime, provide another feeding of 1/4 cup warm water and 1/4 cup flour.
- Repeat this feeding routine for two full days, both in the morning and evening.
- If a twice-daily feeding schedule isn’t convenient, you can opt for once a day.
- For this, feed your starter with 1/2 cup warm water and 1/2 cup flour once a day for two full days. Proceed as usual on the third day.
- Look for signs of foaming action after the first or second feeding. The presence of foaming indicates live yeast.
- If you have signs of life, you can use it to make bread if you have enough starter for the recipe and at least 1/4 cup left over to keep as your starter.
- Personally, I prefer to feed mine for two days and make bread on the third morning. This feeding process is commonly referred to as making a sponge.
- When you’re prepared to bake, pour off the necessary amount of starter for your recipe.
- Pour the remaining starter into a clean jar, and cover it with the lid.
- Store it in the refrigerator or in the warm, dark place you’ve been using.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully started your Einkorn sourdough starter.
Troubleshooting: Bubbles, Separation, and Flavor
Certain bakers opt to include a teaspoon of sugar in their sourdough starter. There are two contrasting perspectives on this practice. One school of thought contends that introducing sugar for an initial boost disrupts the authenticity of genuine sourdough. Proponents of the other viewpoint argue that sugar serves as a natural yeast nutrient, thereby maintaining the sourdough’s authenticity.
In my personal experience, I haven’t incorporated sugar into my sourdough starter for over a decade. Ultimately, the decision lies in your preference.
- Limited Bubbles
- Water Quality: Ensure the water used is free from chlorine or fluoride, as these can hinder the fermentation process.
- Temperature Variations: Be sure the room temperature aligns with the optimal range for fermentation; 70-75°F or 21-24°C.
- Starter Separation
- Separation is normal.
- When you feed your starter, it will revive and regain its usual consistency.
- For a Strong Sourdough Flavor
- A higher starter-to-flour ratio, like 1 ¾ cups starter to 3 cups flour, results in a more pronounced sourdough taste.
- You can adjust the flour and starter ratios to find the taste balance you prefer.
- For a Milder Flavor
- Reducing the amount of mature starter used in a recipe will result in a milder sourdough flavor.
- You will need to replace the reduced starter amount with warm water to maintain the overall hydration of the dough.
- Foul Odor and Flavor – A less-than-pleasant sourdough yeast can be captured, often stemming from the environment or feeding routine. If your sourdough develops an off-putting odor, taste, or appearance, these are some potential causes and remedies.
- Avoid Chemical Cleaners: The number one cause of a foul taste and odor is the use of chemicals in the home. Your sourdough starter absorbs them from the air. Stop using them for one week then start a fresh Einkorn sourdough starter and you shouldn’t have the problem.
- Infrequent Feeding: Neglecting your sourdough starter can lead to the dominance of unwanted bacteria, causing unpleasant flavors. Give it regular feedings, especially if kept at room temperature.
- Unsuitable Container: Using containers made of metal or plastic will introduce unwanted flavors. Opt for glass or non-reactive containers with breathable covers.
- Poor Flour Quality: The type and quality of flour directly impact the flavor of your sourdough.
- Water Quality: Chlorinated or heavily treated water will make your sourdough taste bad. Use filtered or unchlorinated water for feeding to eliminate any potential interference with the fermentation process.
- Inconsistent Temperature: Sourdough is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Maintain a relatively stable environment, avoiding extreme heat or cold, to encourage a healthy fermentation process.
FAQs about Einkorn Sourdough Starter
- What makes an Einkorn sourdough starter different from regular sourdough starters?
- Einkorn sourdough starter is crafted using all-purpose Einkorn flour, a traditional and ancient wheat variety. This imparts a unique flavor profile and nutritional benefits distinct from modern wheat.
- How long does it take for the Einkorn sourdough starter to become active?
- Typically, it takes 5-6 days for the Einkorn sourdough starter to thrive and become ready for baking. However, individual factors like temperature and flour type can influence the timeline.
- Can I use whole wheat flour for my Einkorn sourdough starter?
- Yes, you can use whole wheat Einkorn flour. Remember to adjust the water content, adding an extra 3 tablespoons due to whole wheat flour’s higher absorption.
- How do I troubleshoot if my starter isn’t showing bubbles or foam?
- Check the water quality and temperature and ensure the room temperature is within the optimal range of 70-75°F or 21-24°C. You can read more tips in the troubleshooting section of this article.
- What’s the best way to store the Einkorn sourdough starter?
- If you don’t use your starter every week or more, store the active starter in a glass jar with a loose-fitting lid in the refrigerator. If you use your starter to bake at least once a week, you can keep it in a warm, dark place like a cabinet.
- Can I adapt the Einkorn sourdough starter for different recipes?
- Absolutely! The living nature of sourdough allows for adaptability. Experiment with ratios, flour types, and hydration levels to tailor the starter to various recipes and desired flavors.
- How do I address a metallic taste in my sourdough?
- Avoid using metal utensils, as they can react with the acids in the starter, leaving a metallic taste. Opt for wooden spoons and glass containers to maintain purity.
- Can I revive a separated Einkorn sourdough starter?
- Yes, separation is normal. During feeding, stir the starter well, and it will recombine. Bubbles during or after feeding are positive signs of a thriving starter.
Wrap Up
Remember, your sourdough starter is a living entity unique to your home and preferences. It’s easily influenced by factors like temperature, water quality, and flour type. From the robust rise it provides to digestive ease and decreased gluten sensitivity, your Einkorn sourdough is a powerhouse.
If you follow our tips, you’ll quickly master the art of maintaining a robust Einkorn sourdough starter, ensuring delicious, nutritious bread-making experiences for you and your family. Happy baking!
You May Also Enjoy
TFL Answers Your Questions About Soudough
Sourdough Bread Recipe For The Bread Machine
ERICA MCCULLAGH says
I’m wondering why you don’t do any discarding before feeding? Is this not required for einkorn? If not, why not? Every other starter recipe I have come across, including ones for einkorn, require you to discard half of the starter before feeding it.
Rhonda says
Hi Erica, I didn’t learn to make sourdough that way, I’ve never done that with any of my sourdough starters. I learned that you could remove a part of your starter each time you feed it, unless you prefer to allow it to keep growing. The reason for discarding is to get rid of the “old food” (flour and water) that’s been used to sustain your starter during the last fermentation period. There’s always more than one way of doing something. If you are more comfortable discarding then that’s what I would do, it’s just not something I’ve ever done. Thanks for such a great question!
ERICA MCCULLAGH says
Wow, I had no idea you could do it this way. It makes way more sense to me since einkorn is rather expensive compared to regular wheat flour. Thank you for sharing! I am enjoying this learning process.
Rhonda says
Yes ma’am you’re right, it is hard to try new recipes because of the expense, but sometimes we eat a “failed” attempt at something for that very reason. I hope we can help you with the learning curve. Thank you for being on this journey with us!
Connie Sink says
I started my starter on Sunday…. Is that Day #1 or after 24 hours-Monday Day #1?
Rhonda says
Connie, the day you start it is day 1 so for you it was Sunday. Congratulations! I’m so excited for you. Keep us posted.
Connie Sink says
Just letting you know how it went… As far as I know, I followed the instructions, but my freshly ground, organic, whole wheat sourdough einkorn starter died. I used warm filtered water, kept it between the refrigerator and oven on the counter, and I followed your advice on the extra tablespoons of warm water (because it was whole grain). I added the one cup of flour (set it out to get room temperature from the fridge) and one cup + 3 tablespoons of warm water on day three, then checked on my starter a couple hours later and it was thriving! On day four I checked on my starter and it was dead. I don’t know what happened. We keep our house between 69° at night and 71° in the daytime. Praying I’ll find the answer!
Rhonda says
I hate to hear something happened to your starter. With every kitchen, home enviornment, and cook being different, it is impossible to say exactly what happened to it. My opnion is that it got too cold at a crucial time. Your house is a little cooler than the ideal temp for sourdough starter, we keep ours cool at night as well so I’m not sure. When you said “set it out to get room temperature from the fridge” what exactly is the what? If it’s the starter, you should allow it to come to room temperature before feeding it, if you mean the flour, good job! I’m sorry I don’t have a definitive answer for you. If you followed all the other tips in the post, I’m stumped. There is a wonderful FB group for Einkorn flour users, if you are on FB you can join it and ask in the group. There are a lot of people in there who use whole wheat Einkorn and they may have an answer for you.
Rhonda says
Connie, I’ve been doing some research and talking with my “Einkorn Friends” about your starter issues. I’ve come up with a few ideas/suggestions for you to consider.
1. It could be that your starter was starved to death with either too much water or not enough air exchange. My friend who uses fresh ground Einkorn says it doesn’t need as much extra water as whole wheat because the complete grain is present in freshly milled. She suggested only adding 1 extra TBS and see how the starter responds you could always add more if it didn’t look happy.
2. It could be your starter was too warm (over the optimal temperature) which causes it to “eat too much” so it starved this way
3. The two I talked with that grind their own flour have two different approaches. One says she uses freshly ground mixed with all-purpose Einkorn for her sourdough starter 1:1 ratio. The second says she sifts her freshly milled Einkorn with a #6 or #7 sifter and uses that for her starter. The part she sifts out, she sprinkles on top of her loaf when she bakes so she can still get all the nutrition she’s looking for by grinding the whole berries herself.
This is the best information I could gather and I hope it helps. Let me know how it goes and which approach you find works best. I’ll add your experience to the post as an update.
Connie D. Sink says
If there are bubbles on day three and on day four, can I wait till day five or six to make the bread? And if so, do I have to feed it every day till then?
Rhonda says
Connie, Yes, you can wait until day 5 or 6, just keep it warm, don’t refrigerate it. If you see bubbles and you have enough starter to make your recipe and have at least 1/4 cup (I like to keep 1/2 to 3/4 of a cup) of leftover starter, you don’t have to feed it on day 5 or 6. If you don’t have enough starter, feed it until you do have. Hope this helps. Let me know if you have more questions. I’ll do all I can to help you.
Connie D. Sink says
Yes, you can use whole wheat Einkorn flour.
Remember to adjust the water content, adding an extra 3 tablespoons due to whole wheat flour’s higher absorption.
•Do you add 3 Tablespoons of water every feeding or just at the beginning?
Rhonda says
You should add the three extra tablespoons to water every feeding if you’re using whole wheat Einkorn.
Connie D. Sink says
How about when you only add 1/4 cup whole grain einkorn flour, do you add 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons water (day 4-5) when feeding your starter or less water?
Rhonda says
I’m greatly experienced with whole grain Einkorn, but in my experience with whole grain modern wheat if I added only 1/4 cup of whole grain flour to the starter, I would try adding just 1 Tablespoon of water and see if the consistency is right, you can always add more water or flour to get the right consistency. Hope this helps.
Kristina Steves says
I dehydrated my starter from regular all purpose flour. Can I use that to revive it with the einkorn flour? What is the process?
Rhonda says
Kristina, I’ve never used a dehydrated starter so I don’t have experience to draw on. If it works like I think it does, you feed it to rehydrate it? If you want to switch the starter to Einkorn flour, yes, you can use Einkorn when you feed it. I don’t know how long it will take the starter to be all Einkorn but I would think after four or five uses it would be all Einkorn. I hope this helps. Let us know how it goes.