We offer many different starters that go by ….as you guessed it very interesting names. Each starter we sell is labeled with it’s original given name… you can customize your starter by changing its name, changing up what flour you use and the container.

Here are a few important tips before you get started.

Always keep your starter in a glass container. This can be a glass bowl with a not too tight lid or plastic wrap as a cover, a large mason jar, etc.

Always use a wooden spoon.

Our starters are used to being fed twice a day. You have wiggle room with this and it will be explained after the starter descriptions.

Do not use plastic or metal with mixing or storing (exception is a mason jar lid) Plastics and metals can interfere with the developing flavor of your starter due to scents, flavors that may be trapped in the materials.

Clint Yeastwood– Our oldest and most grumpy starter. Clint is an all-purpose flour based starter who gets fed with almond flour once a month to help develop a richer flavor.

Queen Almondalla– is one of our gluten free starters. She is made exclusively with almond flour. She makes a great gluten free alternative.

Yeastwood Mac– Is our Nut free version. He is made only with all-purpose flour. Unlike Clint we do not feed him with any nut products.

Yeastie Boys– Is our traditional gluten free starter who is made exclusively from gluten free flour.. so he makes a great gluten free and nut free option.

To maintain your starter, select a bowl and determine the weight of your starter. We feed our starters a ratio of equal parts starter, water and flour.

This means that if you have 10 ounces of starter you would add 10 ounces of flour and 10 ounces of water. Stir until completely mixed. Vigorous stirring isn’t needed… just a gentle mix to incorporate all the ingredients. Then cover and set in a warm place; the warmer the spot, the more growth, and more feeding required.

If you only plan to bake with your starter one time a week or less….. you will start by feeding your starter and then placing it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will allow the starter to rest and be less active allowing you to feed it less. Don’t worry it will still maintain its flavor. When you are ready to use it, we recommend removing the starter the night before you plan to bake and feed it in the evening, and again in the morning before use. Once you are done you can safely return it to the fridge.

If you plan to bake with your starter a lot we recommend the daily feeding schedule of once in the morning and once in the evening. It is also recommended to change the container every once in a while to keep the starters environment clean. Do not be alarmed if your starter starts to develop liquid (hooch) on top…. this is simply the starters way of telling you its hungry. Simply stir the liquid in and feed your starter. This is common and happens when a feeding is missed on the daily feeding schedule.

If you have any questions feel free to comment on this post or email customerservice@lemonbellbakery.com