The Crumb Proof

Sourdough

Building a starter from nothing but flour and water, why it stalls or smells off and how to bring it back, feeding schedules that fit around a job, and the stretch-and-fold rhythm behind a tangy, open-crumbed sourdough loaf.

Sourdough

9 guides
Sourdough

Sourdough Feeding Ratios Explained: 1:1:1, 1:2:2, and More

Learn what sourdough feeding ratios mean, how to read 1:1:1 vs 1:2:2 vs 1:5:5, and which ratio fits your baking schedule and kitchen temperature.

July 3, 2026
Sourdough

How to Tell When Sourdough Is Properly Proofed

Learn the poke test, jiggle test, dome shape, and volume cues that tell you exactly when your sourdough is ready to bake.

June 29, 2026
Sourdough

How to Make a Sourdough Starter From Scratch

Learn how to make a sourdough starter from scratch in 7 days. Exact flour, water, and feeding ratios for beginners, plus what to expect each day.

June 25, 2026
Sourdough

Stretch and Fold: How to Build Strength in Sourdough Dough

Learn how to stretch and fold sourdough dough during bulk fermentation to build gluten strength without kneading. Timing, technique, and how to read the dough.

June 24, 2026
Sourdough

How to Cold-Proof Sourdough in the Fridge Overnight

Learn how to cold-proof sourdough overnight: when to refrigerate shaped dough, how long it can stay cold, and how to bake it straight from the fridge.

June 19, 2026
Sourdough

What Is Sourdough Discard and What to Do With It

Sourdough discard is the portion you remove at each feeding. Here's what it is, how to store it, and the best recipes to use it up.

June 17, 2026
Sourdough

Your First Sourdough Loaf: A Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide

Make your first sourdough loaf with this honest, step-by-step beginner's guide. Includes a full formula, schedule, and troubleshooting tips.

June 13, 2026
Sourdough

Why Your Sourdough Starter Isn't Rising (and How to Fix It)

Sourdough starter not rising? Learn the real reasons it stalls, how to diagnose symptoms fast, and exactly how to revive it.

June 9, 2026
Sourdough

How to Feed and Maintain a Sourdough Starter

Learn how to feed sourdough starter correctly, set a feeding schedule, and keep your starter active whether it lives on the counter or in the fridge.

June 5, 2026

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