How to gift sourdough starter
How to gift sourdough starter safely and clearly, with jar size, feeding instructions, travel timing, and a simple note template.
Gifting sourdough starter is really gifting responsibility. The starter needs to be healthy, recently fed, packed with room to expand, and accompanied by instructions that do not assume the recipient already speaks baker.
What to put in the jar
- Starter amount
- 30-50 g active starter
- Jar size
- 8-16 oz straight-sided jar
- Feed ratio
- 1:2:2 starter/flour/water for travel
- Flour
- Same flour the starter normally eats
Printables and quizzes for cottage bakers — no paywall on the guides.
Instructions to include
- Feed the starter 4-8 hours before gifting so it arrives active but not explosive.
- Mark the current level with tape or a rubber band.
- Leave the lid loose if traveling less than an hour; tighten only after chilling.
- Include a simple feeding card: discard down to 20g, add 40g water and 40g flour, mix, mark, and wait for doubling.
- Include a first bake link: beginner sourdough boule.
Starter gift basket idea
Add a scale, a dough whisk, a rubber spatula, a jar scraper, and a printed feeding chart. If the recipient is already all-in, pair the starter with Levain Society.
Crosodo Journal entries are recipe, craft, and cottage-food notes for home bakers. Recipes assume an active starter and basic equipment. Cottage food sales are governed by your state's law — start with the free state directory, check a product with Can I sell this?, or grab a label template. Not legal advice.
