Can you freeze sourdough starter?

Can sourdough starter be frozen and restarted at a later time?   I am also thinking it would be a good way to store some away in case the one I am actively using has a problem or goes bad.

Perry Overton wrote:Can sourdough starter be frozen and restarted at a later time?   I am also thinking it would be a good way to store some away in case the one I am actively using has a problem or goes bad.

Yes - done this many times. You only need a couple of tablespoons. Let it thaw out, mix with 100g water / 100g flour (4oz), leave for 12 to 24 hrs and then start your bread making cycle again.

Another method is to smear a thin layer of starter on parchment paper and when it dries, peel it off and store the flakes in an airtight container. It has to be thoroughly dry.

I freeze mine.  

Here is a post that also talks about freezing sourdough:

https://permies.com/t/30871/kitchen/Sourdough-bread#245239

Perry Overton wrote:Can sourdough starter be frozen and restarted at a later time?   I am also thinking it would be a good way to store some away in case the one I am actively using has a problem or goes bad.

I have had success dehydrating it as well and kept it in a bag for a few months until we settled into a house again. Added water and more organic flour without any difficulty.

Good to know that it can be frozen. I will try that out!

Any idea how long it will stay viable frozen?

I have had a big blob of it in my freezer since the great covid yeast shortage of 2020. A local grain farmer was giving them out if you bought 10lb or more.

Dan Fish wrote:Any idea how long it will stay viable frozen?

I have had a big blob of it in my freezer since the great covid yeast shortage of 2020. A local grain farmer was giving them out if you bought 10lb or more.

I love this!
No yeast? No problem!

YOU GET A FREE SOURDOUGH STARTER.
AND YOU GET A SOURDOGUH STARTER!