How to freeze your sourdough starter for long-term storage.
Yes! You can freeze your sourdough starter!
Freezing starter is a great way to slow down fermentation if you're needing longer-term storage, or you want to keep a backup starter.
Since freezing yeast slows down fermentation - but doesn't kill the yeast - freezing starter buys you quite a bit of time between feedings.
It's the more extreme version of putting it in the fridge.
I'd feel comfortable storing starter in the freezer for at least 6 months, and up to 12, without feeding.
How to do it
Transfer your starter to a clean, airtight container. Seal it well and put it in the freezer. Be sure to write the date on it!
Yep. It's that easy.
Using Frozen Starter
When you're ready to revive your starter, just thaw on the counter, and feed as normal. Be aware that the longer it's been in the freezer, the longer it will take to wake the yeasts back up enough to bake with. You might want to adopt an aggressive feeding schedule (2x/day) with higher ratios than normal to boost your starter's growth.
Some Thoughts on Freezing
If you have the freezer space to spare, freezing is a good option. But it's not without its drawbacks! You'll have to - one way or another - thaw it out, plus there's the risk of your power going out while you're out of town and your starter dying a slow death (this would probably not happen).
My favorite option for storing a sourdough discard longer-term is dehydrating it. Dehydrated sourdough starter is shelf stable and so easy to do! You can see my favorite (easy!) method for dehydrating starter here.
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