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Dehydrated Sourdough Starter – 150-Year-Old Heritage Culture | The Bear Starter

Arrives soon! Get it by Jul 29-Aug 6 if you order today
Jul 29-Aug 6

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Highlights

  • Vintage from the 19th century
  • Materials: levain

🎁 Artisan sourdough starter – the perfect Father’s Day gift, ships fast.

The Story of The Bear Starter

This isn’t just sourdough — it’s a living piece of gold rush-era history. Our 150-year-old culture, affectionately known as The Bear Starter, has been passed down through generations since the late 1800s.

As the legend goes, during the BC gold rush, a bear wandered into the kitchen and helped itself to a jar of this very starter. Since then, it’s gained a reputation for strength, resilience, and a flavour as wild as its origin.

Taste the Tradition
This dried levain starter delivers a rich, tangy flavour and beautiful texture, perfect for authentic sourdough loaves, pizza dough, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just beginning your sourdough journey, this starter offers consistency and a deep connection to the past.

✔️ 150-year-old heritage culture
✔️ Dried for convenience, easy to revive
✔️ Easy-to-follow instructions included (print & digital)
✔️ Hand-packed by Harvest Baking Co. in small batches

Bring the taste of history into your home — and let The Bear Starter become a part of your baking tradition.

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  • Order today to get by Jul 29-Aug 6
  • Returns & exchanges accepted within 30 days
  • Free shipping
  • Ships from: Canada

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Reviews for this item

What buyers say, summarized by AI: Love it Helpful seller Great quality Fast shipping Easy to use Looks great Clear instructions

5.0

We calculate this number using a recency-weighted average of all ratings, with a rating's value decreasing by half each year to best reflect the current experience.

(105 reviews)

5.0 Item quality
4.8 Shipping
5.0 Customer service
99% Buyers recommend
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5 out of 5 stars 5 This item

Kristin May 28, 2026

I can't believe how fast this starter activated, I woke up on day 3 to it tripled in size, after only 2 feedings! I feed around 6am so the fact that it looked like this 24 hours after the second feeding is wild. I'm still going to wait until day 4 or 5 to bake just to be safe, but I'm so impressed! I've never used rye starter before and now I'm hooked. I used white bread flour to feed and that seems to be my winning combo 🥖🍞

Kristin May 28, 2026

5 out of 5 stars 5 This item

Fern May 20, 2026

I’m new to sourdough but my loaves have been turning out amazing with this starter! The instructions made it easy to get started.

Fern May 20, 2026

5 out of 5 stars 5 This item

Heather May 10, 2026

Good experience and received quickly

Heather May 10, 2026

5 out of 5 stars 5 This item

ReadingsByKira Apr 25, 2026

This sourdough came with a care card and is active within 2 days. Super easy to maintain!

ReadingsByKira Apr 25, 2026

HarvestBaking
We calculate this number using a recency-weighted average of all ratings, with a rating's value decreasing by half each year to best reflect the current experience. 4.8
·
1.7k sales
·
2.5 years on Etsy

Typically responds within 24 hours

Typically responds within 24 hours

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Listed on Jul 19, 2026