Using a Sourdough Starter Kit (What They Include and How They Work)

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Want to get sourdough going faster? Try a sourdough starter kit! Here’s what they include and how they work.

I recently decided that I was going to restart by sourdough again, despite living in a camper right now. It’s been a while since I had a good starter going and I wasn’t totally sure how well it would do with my fluctuating temps in the camper.

When I was shopping for my latest order from Azure, I noticed that they offered a Sourdough Starter Kit from NW Ferments. I’ve actually used their sourdough starters before to kickstart a Gluten Free Sourdough when my kids weren’t able to eat as much wheat. It worked so well! I decided that this time, I would try the Sourdough Starter Kit since I have limited supplies in the camper with me anyway, and I was curious if what was included would be able to help me.

Why is Starting Sourdough So Difficult?

Starting sourdough can be difficult if you are working in an environment with fluctuating temperatures or if your home tends to have a variety of smells at any given time.

Sourdough starters will actually take on heavy odors that are in your home, making your bread taste a little off.

Starting sourdough can also be difficult for those who don’t know where to start, have never tried it before, or have a limited amount of tools (although it does take very little to get them going).

What’s in a Sourdough Starter Kit

I’m basing this article on the Sourdough Starter Kit from NW Ferments because that’s the one I’m using. If you buy a kit from a different brand, it may include different items.

My Sourdough Starter Kit Included:

• Dried sourdough starter culture
• Dough scraper
• Flour sack towel
• Reusable jar cover and elastic band
• Instructions and recipes

What You Still Need to Provide

• A wide mouth jar
• Plastic spatula
• Flour
• Water

Different Sourdough Starter Kits That Are Available

NW Ferments has multiple types of kits available. This is the fun part about buying a kit…you can get different varieties of sourdough! Here’s what they have and what the differences are:

• Yukon is a close relative of San Francisco, and hails from the Klondike region of Canada.  It has a deliciously tart flavor, and has a bit faster rise time than its cousin San Fran. Try the Yukon Sourdough. (This is what I’m using right now!)
• Camaldoli is an Italian variety with a mildly tangy flavor.  It is very hearty and has a fairly quick rise time.  It’s great for use in pizza crusts and other types of non-bread recipes. Camaldoli is a must have staple in your house.
• Desem, made with whole wheat flour, means “starter” in Flemish.  It creates a hearty, fiber-rich bread.  Longer proofing time will increase its sourness, if desired.
• Gluten Free Starter is a great option for those preferring gluten free baked goods.  Made with brown rice, it is an active variety and has better success with more frequent feedings. If you’re looking for a gluten free sourdough, gluten free starter is definitely what you’re looking for. (I’ve used this in the past. Highly recommend!)
• San Francisco is probably the most widely known variety.  It has a distinctively sour characteristic that people have come to know and love.  It tends to require a longer rise time, but good things come to those who wait!  In the 1970’s, the Microbiology Department at Oregon State University isolated the bacteria that gives San Francisco sourdough its unique flavor.  They named it lactobacillus san Francisco.
• Danish Rye is a dark and dense type that is a staple in Denmark.  The Danish call it Rugbrod, and they traditionally include cracked rye, grains, and seeds in the recipe.  They use this bread to make open faced sandwiches, called Smorrebrod.  Rye bread is highly nutritious, typically less sweet, has a harder crust, and lower gluten content.  Due to the low gluten factor in rye flour, sourdough starter is a better choice for leavening than baker’s yeast.

Where Can I Buy a Sourdough Starter Kit?

Your local health food store may have some sourdough starter kits available for purchase. Otherwise, you can order them directly from Azure.

Who Is a Sourdough Starter Kit Good For?

A sourdough starter kit would be good for anyone that wants to get started with sourdough but isn’t sure how and wants to have the right things to help them.

A kit is also helpful for someone like me who has limited resources OR someone who has a heavily scented home that might make their sourdough taste off.

It would also make a really good gift!

Who Is It Not For?

This kit would not be a great fit for someone who is confident in starting their own sourdough culture or already has all of the included items in the kit. You can also get the Dried Sourdough Culture without getting the whole kit.

How to Start Sourdough With a Starter Kit

Check out my video below to see how to use one of these kits to start your own sourdough starter! (If the video doesn’t work below, you can find it HERE on my Instagram page as well.

Do you make sourdough? Have you ever used or bought a sourdough starter kit?

This article about Sourdough Starter Kits was originally published on Little House Living in July 2024.

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