Sat, 09 May 2026 09:58:11 +0000

Sourdough Discard Explained: The Surprising Truth That’s Taking Kitchens by Storm In recent years, sourdough bread has experienced a massive resurgence, captivating home bakers and professional chefs alike. But behind the perfectly crisp crust and airy crumb lies an often-overlooked hero: sourdough discard. If you’ve baked with sourdough, even just a few times, you might recognize the leftover starter waste—the small amount of fermented batter discarded after feeding—but few realize how versatile and valuable it truly is. Today, we’re diving into the surprising truth about sourdough discard, why it’s transforming home kitchens worldwide, and how you can master this kitchen staple to elevate your baking game. ### What Is Sourdough Discard? Sourdough discard refers to the portion of your homemade sourdough starter that is removed before each feeding and use. This practice prevents the starter from becoming too large and maintaining optimal fermentation balance. Typically, you use about 25–50% of your total starter depending on whether you’re amping it up for a bake or planning a simple recipe. What ends up in the sink or drain—the rest—is nothing but waste, right? Wrong.