Simple Multi Levain Builds for SD &or YW
[Updated: 110519-0940]
A great deal has been written about methods to build, or refresh, leavains. It is not the purpose of this posting to say here is a “better way”. The sole purpose here is to say here is a very simple way, if you want to build any desired amount of levain for a loaf you wish to try.
I have given out free calculators to work out any mix combinations I can think anyone would ever really want. I still give such things out, however, many people seem to panic if faced with a spreadsheet, still they do use a computer, which is far more complicated. The world is filled with many mysteries that I have given up hopes of ever understanding. So, here are a few basic steps to figure out your builds.
Limits:
1/ Only 100%HL (hydration levels) are considered.
2/ Only White Sourdough ( WSD ) or Yeast Water ( YW ) are considered.
3/ Only 1, 2, or 3 Builds are considered.
4/ Only Ratios of 1:1:1 ( Seed:Flour:Liquid ) are considered.
5/ You must know how much Levain you want to end with.
6/ You must already have a SD Seed amount, or a YW Seed amount to start with.
Start by writing down the Amount Desired.
Example: AD = 200g
Decide how many Builds you want – limit is 1, 2, or 3.
Sourdough Only:
Rule: Divide the AD to find initial Seed required:
1-Build, Divide the AD by 3
2-Build, Divide the AD by 9
3-Build, Divide the AD by 27
Example: AD = 200g
1-Build, 200 / 3 = 66.666 round the up to 67g.
You will need 67g of Seed to mix with 67g of flour and 67g of water for a total of 201g of levain.
Example: AD = 200g
2-Build, 200 / 9 = 22.222 round the up to 23g.
Build-#1 = 23g of Seed to mix with 23g of flour and 23g of water for a total of 69g of levain.
Build-#2 = 69g from B-#1 to mix with 69g of flour and 69g of water for a total of 207g of levain.
Example: AD = 200g
3-Build, 200 / 27 = 7.401 round the up to 8g.
Build-#1 = 8g of Seed to mix with 8g of flour and 8g of water for a total of 24g of levain.
Build-#2 = 23g from B-#1 to mix with 23g of flour and 23g of water for a total of 69g of levain.
Build-#3 = 69g from B-#2 to mix with 69g of flour and 69g of water for a total of 207g of levain.
Yeast Water Only – Note Well: Everywhere you find “Liquid*” below, you can use YW, or H2O, or a mix.
Rule: Divide the AD to find initial Seed required:
1-Build, Divide the AD by 2
2-Build, Divide the AD by 6
3-Build, Divide the AD by 18
Example: AD = 200g
1-Build, 200 / 2 = 100g
You will need 100g of YW as Seed to mix with 100g of flour for a total of 200g of levain.
Example: AD = 200g
2-Build, 200 / 6 = 33.333 round the up to 34g.
Build-#1 = 34g of YW as Seed to mix with 34g of flour for a total of 68g of levain.
Build-#2 = 68g from B-#1 to mix with 68g of flour and 68g of Liquid* for a total of 204g of levain.
Example: AD = 200g
3-Build, 200 / 18 =11.111 round the up to 12g.
Build-#1 = 12g of YW as Seed to mix with 12g of flour for a total of 24g of levain.
Build-#2 = 23g from B-#1 to mix with 23g of flour and 23g of Liquid* for a total of 69g of levain.
Build-#3 = 69g from B-#2 to mix with 69g of flour and 69g of Liquid* for a total of 207g of levain.
I hope that is of some help...
Ron
