fedpeak

Starter type

Liquid Starter (100% Hydration)

Jar shows consistency at 100% hydration (liquid flat surface), bubble density from fast activity, and hue from the bread flour base. Peak rise marked on jar side.

Hydration
100%
Flour base
bread flour
Activity
fast
Flavor
balanced

About Liquid Starter (100% Hydration)

The standard liquid starter used by most home bakers and the default referenced in most sourdough recipes. Equal weights of flour and water produce a pourable paste. Fast activity — typically peaks in 4-8 hours after feeding at 76°F. Balanced flavor: mild tang that matures with age. Reliable, forgiving, easy to maintain. Default choice unless a recipe specifies otherwise.

Feeding ratio: 1:1:1

Refrigerate after feeding; feed weekly with 1:5:5 ratio (1 part starter, 5 flour, 5 water by weight). Room-temp storage requires daily feeding.

Feed calculator

Use the selector below to set the feed ratio (default 1:5:5 for weekly refrigerator maintenance). Adjust current and target weights.

Keep (mature starter)
27.3 g
Add flour
136.4 g
Add water
136.4 g
Discard
22.7 g
Total after feed
300 g

Sources: Hamelman Bread (3rd ed., preferment chapter); Reinhart The Bread Baker's Apprentice.