One great hack for sourdough bakers is to dehydrate their sourdough starter.
By doing so, you can easily preserve and save an extra starter as a backup. Additionally, a dry sourdough starter is a great option for shipping, traveling, or moving.
It's definitely worth trying if you're a fan of sourdough baking!
1. Spread the sourdough starter.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the active starter and spread it out evenly. Make sure it is thin.
2. Dry the sourdough starter.
Leave the baking sheet in a cool, dry place without covering it for 24 hr.
3. Check the sourdough starter.
After 24 hours, check if the starter is completely dry and crisp. If it is, it is ready to be broken into small pieces or ground into powder. If it is still fresh, leave it for more time.
4. Store the sourdough starter.
Store the dried sourdough starter in an airtight container or bag in a cool, dry place for future use.