FrankenStarter Activation

When you receive your FrankenStarter, the yeast present in the dehydrated starter need to be rehydrated and fed with water and flour. View our video on how to activate your starter or view detailed written instructions below.

FrankenStarter Activation - Items Needed

FrankenStarter Activation Jar 16 OZ WIDE-MOUTH JAR WITH LID

I use Ball or Kerr with a plastic lid. The plastic lids usually need to be purchased separately.

FrankenStarter Fork and Spatula SPATULA & FORK

The spatula is used to scrape the sides of your jar during removal of the discard. The fork is used to mix your starter during feeding.

FrankenStarter Flour ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR & WATER

FrankenStarter has been fed Great Value Organic All-Purpose Flour since creation. Water should be free of chlorine.

FrankenStarter Scale DIGITAL KITCHEN SCALE

You will need this to measure the weight of your starter, water and flour. Volumetric measurements (cups, tablespoons) are less accurate.

FrankenStarter Activation - Steps

Day 1 FrankenStarter Step 1

Pour one packet of dried FrankenStarter into a glass jar and add 20g of lukewarm water. Warm water will speed up the activation process. Add 10g flour and mix with a fork. Cover the jar with a loose lid or cotton cloth for 24 hours.

Day 2 FrankenStarter Step 2

Remove the lid of your starter and add 20g of lukewarm water. Mix well with a fork, then add 20g of flour. Stir and cover with a loose lid or cotton cloth for 24 hours.

Day 3 FrankenStarter Step 3

Continue to add 20g of lukewarm water and 20g of flour every 24 hours until your starter is increasing in size during the height of activity. It does not need to double in size, it just needs to be noticeable and accompanied with bubbles.

Day 4 FrankenStarter Step 4

When your starter is active, discard all but 50g of the mix. Add 50g of lukewarm water and mix with a fork, then add 50g flour and mix thoroughly. When this mixture increases in size and becomes bubbly, it is ready to use and maintain.

Print Activation Instructions

FrankenStarter Activation - Notes

FrankenStarter Step 1 Water

If you have chlorinated water, use filtered water for your starter. Chlorine can kill the yeast and bacteria in the starter.

FrankenStarter Step 2 TARE YOUR JAR

Write the tare weight for each jar on a piece of masking tape. It will allow you to calculate the weight of the starter to discard and the weight of the water and flour to add.

FrankenStarter Step 3 DIGITAL KITCHEN SCALE

A decent quality digital kitchen scale can be purchased for $20 and is indispensable for activating and maintaining your starter.