January 15, 2023 - 1:41pm
Anyone ever bought starter dough off someone locally?
I found someone selling their starter dough on craigslist but I'm a little hesitant because who knows if it's any good and I won't have any protection since they want cash. I was considering using a site like this one to look up the persons information but not even sure if it's worthwhile.
Has anyone has success buying starter dough off someone locally, or should I just take the plunge and make my own (I'm a bit lazy and don't want to go through a zillion trials)?
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Over the past several years I have given away starter to anyone who asks, even more so since the pandemic. For someone to ask for money for something they are basically throwing away anyway seems rude to me, but I understand that you might not want to invest time in making your own.
I suggest that you do. There are many ways to do it in this forum, and I think making a whole rye starter is the easiest. Once established it can easily be converted to a wheat starter. You will learn a ton by doing it yourself.
-Brad
I just want to second what Brad said.
I, too, learned a ton by making (and almost breaking) my starter. Frankly, the experience is sort-of primal. The only thing I can compare it to is making fire from friction (something I've also done.) That act of creation gave me the confidence to bake more complex things and not to fear failure.
Rob
Do it yourself - only takes a couple weeks. Enjoy!
I would be happy to give you some if mine depending on where you live.
Carl's friends will send you a starter if you send them a stamped self addressed envelope - http://carlsfriends.net/source.html
Ed Wood sells a diverse range of interesting starters - https://sourdo.com - and his site been discussed here before.
And you didn't say where in the world you are - but we're a fairly international bunch here and am willing to bet (!) that no matter where you stay there will be someone in your country who'll just mail you some.
Good luck!
I would buy a SD starter if I were needing to have one but I would buy the best SD starter available not just from anybody off some listing. Kristen Dennis, a well-known baker around here sells one and her breads posted on IG would have most bakers die for. Linked below is her site. Good luck!
Fresh Sourdough Starter – Full Proof Baking
But better? That would all be in the hands of the person using the starter.
Agree that the caregiver is the key to maintain a great starter but at least start with one that is proven to work with great results to show.
I'd gladly give you one of my five starters and think most bakers would. I'd be hesitant to buy one from just anyone...
The King Arthur starter comes fresh and works great. I've used 4 of the starters from sourdo.com and they work great. Carlsfriends will send it to you for essentially free.
Use Carlsfriend they are excellent they will send you dried starter about 1/4tsp and you just need only a bit. Put is in a glass of lukewarm water and let it dissolve and thereafter you may add your flour. I still have some in my freezer. they will send you instructions to activate it.
But am trying very hard to make my own with the help of TFL team