How To Reactivate A Dry (Dehydrated) Sourdough Starter

Step 1

In a clean pint-size mason jar (or similar) combine 1/2 Tbsp of dried sourdough starter powder or flakes (one H&C package) with 1.5 Tbsp of filtered lukewarm water. Allow the dry sourdough starter and water to sit for several minutes to soften and combine. Use a fork or spoon to stir it on occasion.

Step 2

Add 1 Tbsp of flour. Mix thoroughly. (See consistency notes below)

Step 3

Cover the jar with a lid, beeswax wrap, plate, or other cover to prevent it from drying out. Set the container in a moderately warm location (70 to 75F is ideal). Come back in about 24 hours.

Step 4

Into the same jar as yesterday, add 1 Tbsp of flour and 2 teaspoons of water to the starter. Mix well.

Step 5

Cover the jar or container again, and allow it to sit for another 24 hours.

Step 6

Repeat the same feeding process as Day 2 (1 Tbsp flour and 2 teaspoons water).

Step 7

This time, add 1/3 cup flour and 1/4 cup water to the starter. Mix well.

Step 8

Cover the container and set aside once again. Consider marking the level of the starter after feeding. It should rise quite a bit by this time!

Step 9

Transfer your starter from the mason jar into a clean mixing bowl.

Step 10

Add 1 scant cup of fresh flour (just a hair shy of a cup!) and 1/2 cup of water. Mix thoroughly.

Step 11

Transfer the starter into a new larger container of choice (such as a 1 to 2 liter glass flip-top jar). This will be the starters "forever home". Set it aside at room temperature once again.

Step 12

If your starter is now actively bubbling, rising and falling - congratulations! You have successfully reactivated the dry sourdough starter. When a starter rises to double its size and then stays elevated, that is considered “peak activity” and is ready to bake with. It will deflate after a few hours and need to be fed or refrigerated.

Step 13

To learn how to feed and store you now-active sourdough starter, please refer to our sourdough starter maintenance article (linked in the notes below). If you aren't sure what to do next, put your active starter in the fridge while you do your homework!