The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Whole wheat starter

jluckermierzwa's picture
jluckermierzwa

Whole wheat starter

Due to having three diabetics in the family I have been baking only whole wheat breads. Now I would like to grow my own whole wheat starter. Does anyone have any suggestions for a good whole wheat starter?

Thanks.

Janetcook's picture
Janetcook

I use the one from the book The Hand Made Loaf by Dan Leopard.  I use all whole grains and have always had good results using his method.

You will also find directions for a whole grain starter in Peter Reinhart's Whole Grain Breads.  HIs book is full of wonderful formulas for breads made completely out of whole grains.

Janet

jluckermierzwa's picture
jluckermierzwa

Thanks so much. Looks like I'm buying more books!

dabrownman's picture
dabrownman

starter made famous on Julia's Baking with Julia TV show works every time too and you can watch the show on YouTube and see a great write up on TFL that sweetbird did and not have to buy any books. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEP3QW-V0sw&feature=youtu.be  Thisa is the video with Joe making the starter http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/27528/joe-ortiz-pain-de-campagne-wonderful  This one is sweetbird's write up.

I don't know how many times I have done this, probably half a dozen, but it it works every time. You will have a starter in 3-4 days this way

Then there  is Mini Oven's 'Not so Ancient - Leave Me Alone Starter

http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/32665/mini-ovens-no-muss-no-fuss-starter-8-days-laater  I've done this twice - once with unbleached white flour and once with whole wheat - both worked.

Then there is Debra Wink's Pineapple Juice starter ( I subbed OJ) that has worked every time for me too.

http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/10856/pineapple-juice-solution-part-1

http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/10901/pineapple-juice-solution-part-2  The procedure to make a starter is here.

Ford's picture
Ford

Also, Mile Avery has a great discussion on sourdough starter.

http://www.sourdoughhome.com

Ford

Daniel Rennal's picture
Daniel Rennal

Maybe it's just where I live, but I simply mixed king arthur whole wheat with water for mine that I started a couple of years ago.  If you just let it sit on the counter for three or four days while adding small amounts of flour each day and stirring you should see some active fermentation.   Good luck!

jluckermierzwa's picture
jluckermierzwa

Thanks to everyone for all of the replies. I've read and watched videos and feel much more confident. I will be giving it a try very soon.