bread starter

A bread starter, often called sourdough starter, is a natural mixture of flour and water that captures wild yeast and beneficial bacteria from the environment. Over time, these microorganisms ferment the dough, producing gases that make the bread rise and acids that give it flavor. The starter acts as a natural leavening agent, replacing commercial yeast, and needs regular feeding with fresh flour and water to stay active. It creates a complex, tangy taste and improves bread’s texture and shelf life through this ongoing fermentation process.