1000 year old Italy Organic sourdough starter culture

Notes: Our facility is licensed, inspected, and certified by the Iowa Department of Health.
All starters should be activated upon arrival; they may require a few feedings to adjust after shipping. If there are any issues, assistance is available. Shipping times are estimates. There is a processing period of 3-5 business days, and orders are generally shipped within 2-3 days. Purchasing a wet starter allows for faster activation than a dehydrated starter, although it still requires 24-hour feedings for a few days on the counter to become fully active.

The sourdough starter from the Camaldoli Monastery is an essential culinary element that links contemporary bakers to the historical practices of medieval monks. This starter symbolizes a continuity of tradition, resilience, and the transformative nature of food. It highlights the enduring legacy of the Camaldoli Monastery through the baked bread and the stories and methods shared by those engaged in this age-old craft. Such connections remind us of our significant links to our history and culture and the fundamental act of sharing a meal. According to legend, this starter may be over a thousand years old and has been continuously used since the establishment of the monastery. The monastery complex of Camaldoli, including the holy hermitage and monastery, was founded in 1012 by St. Romuald of Ravenna just below the ridge of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines overlooking the valley of Casentino. The Ravenna saint united the hermitic and coenobitic life in one place.

A light texture and a complex, delicate flavor profile with a subtle hint of sourness characterize it. To maintain its vitality and flavor, this starter is fed daily with freshly milled Organic All-Purpose flour that is (Unbleached, Unbromated) & Kosher.

At our facility, we take great pride in the meticulous care of our sourdough starters, which are nurtured daily with precision and attention to detail. Our Italian starter is housed in a dedicated space, ensuring a controlled environment that fosters their unique development. To prevent any risk of cross-contamination, we utilize specific utensils and mixing bowls for each starter, which are clearly labeled and stored separately. Additionally, our facility is subjected to routine inspections by both internal and external bodies, allowing us to consistently adhere to the highest standards of quality and food safety. This commitment ensures the integrity of our sourdough products and guarantees peace of mind for our valued customers.

If you encounter issues, support is available. - The starter should be fed daily at room temperature or weekly if refrigerated. Our starters are guaranteed provided the correct flour and water are used, they are kept in a 16 oz jar with a ring lid—not covered with fabric or paper—a picture is sent, and troubleshooting procedures are followed.

What you get is: *JARS ARE NOT INCLUDED*
1. 60 grams of active (Not Dried) Sourdough Starter culture shipped in a Matte frosted self-sealing bag, size: Approximately 14 x 20cm / 5.5 x 7.8 inches. These sealable pouch bags are made of PET and CPP material, ensuring that your product will be protected in an air-tight environment and a food-safe bubble mailer.
2. Clear and easy-to-follow instructions on how to "Maintain Your Sourdough Starter" & information about your starter via a QR Code that goes to our website for more information. https://www.thelazyantelope.com/

Feeding Your Sourdough Starter
1. Add 60 grams of starter to a non-reactive mixing bowl.
2. Add 60 grams of warm water (around 78 to 85°F). DO NOT USE DISTILLED WATER
3. Add 60 grams of good quality unbleached all-purpose flour mix well.
4. Put your starter in a 16 oz glass jar with a ring lid, leaving the lid loose, and place it on the counter until you are ready to bake or refrigerate it. (You will need a larger jar when you grow it to bake)
5. Repeat this process every 24 hours for a few days. Sometimes, it takes a few feedings to help your starter regain its vitality after shipping.

This starter is fed daily with freshly milled, organic, non-GMO all-purpose flour from The Lazy Antelope Milling Co.