There are three main ways you can store your sourdough starter once it is fully developed for future use: refrigerating, freezing and drying.
Refrigerating is probably the most popular sourdough starter storing method. Once it is placed in the refrigerator, it will become relatively dormant and will only need occasional feedings (weekly is best). It will also be ready to use quite quickly once removed from the refrigerator and fed - usually within a day you can use the sourdough starter to make bread again.
Freezing is a good option if you want to not have to do weekly feedings and do not plan to make bread for a month or longer. When sourdough starter is frozen, it will expand slightly, so find a container a bit larger than the volume of the amount of the starter you are freezing (a plastic container will do the job nicely). When you are ready to use the starter again, you will have to allow a little more time for it to revive itself than if it were in a refrigerator, but the method is much the same. Wait for it to thaw, feed it, and then wait a day or two until it looks fully revived before attempting to bake bread with it.
Drying your sourdough starter is another option for long term storage. It is also an ideal means to create a "mailable" sourdough starter if you have friends and family interested in using your strain. To dry your sourdough starter, spread the starter out on a large piece of waxed paper or heavy plastic and allow it to dry thoroughly. Once it has dried, you can crumble it up and place it in an airtight container for storage. It should be stored in a cool location, if possible (in the freezer if there is space available). To reactivate it, you will need to place it into a jar of warm water and flower and mix well, and then allow a couple of days for it to revive itself.
Drying - An alternative storage method is to dry your starter by spreading it out on a piece of heavy plastic wrap or waxed paper. Once it’s dry, crumble it up and put it in an airtight container. Store it someplace cool or, to be safe, in the freezer.
By taking the time to store your sourdough starter appropriately, you will ensure that you always have some sourdough starter at hand to make a great loaf of bread!
For more information about how to create, maintain and use sourdough starter, please return to the Sourdough Starter home page.
