Just realized my sourdough starter thrives in the cabinet above my fridge

I was struggling with a sluggish starter for weeks, barely getting any rise after 8 hours. On a whim, I moved the jar to the warm spot above my refrigerator, and it doubled in size in under 4 hours. The consistent, gentle heat from the appliance motor made all the difference. Has anyone else found a specific spot in their kitchen that gives their starter a boost?

3 comments

3 Comments

spencer78219d ago

Oh man, that reminds me of my old apartment's weirdly warm laundry closet, perfect for proofing dough.

danielnelson19d ago

Can't believe you kept a sluggish starter for weeks without trying a warm spot.

olivia_moore19d ago

Sluggish starter" makes it sound like it was failing, but sometimes a slow ferment is the goal. I kept mine cool on purpose to develop more flavor, like a long cold proof for bread dough. Spencer782's warm laundry closet trick is great for speed, but I wanted that sour tang that only comes with time. My last loaf had this amazing complex taste after a two week cool starter phase. Speed isn't everything.