Sabrina’s Soapbox: There’s No Such Thing as Sourdough Discard (And I’ll Die on This Hill)
Feb 11 | Written By: Sabrina Huizar
Alright, let’s get into it. I’m climbing up on my little fermentation soapbox to say this loud and clear:
Sourdough discard is a myth. A fairy tale. A sour lie.
The internet has convinced everyone that in order to keep a sourdough starter, you have to constantly feed it and then throw part of it away like some kind of yeasty sacrifice to the gods of gluten. But unless you’re baking industrial loaves in a 200-pound Hobart, you do not need to be tossing a single spoonful or feeding a mega starter.
Let’s clear the air:
If your starter isn’t at its bubbly peak, it’s not “discard.” It’s just hungry. Still alive, still valuable, still ready to rise dough or flavor pancakes or do something awesome.
Discard recipe? NO SUCH THING. If you’re not planning on fermenting it, you didn’t magically make sourdough cookies. You’ve just replaced some of the flour and water.
If you’re not baking today, you don’t need to feed it and waste half of it. Just chill. Literally. Put it in the fridge.
And if you’re sick of throwing away perfectly good flour and starter? Enter: the scrapings method.
The Scrapings Method: A Zero-Waste Dream
Instead of maintaining a big jar of starter that demands frequent feedings, try this:
When you’re done using your starter, just scrape down the sides of the jar and leave a thin layer clinging to the glass like, barely a tablespoon. That’s all you need to regrow a whole new batch.
When it’s time to bake again, take it out of the fridge and feed that tiny leftover with fresh flour and water. Boom. No discard. No waste. No guilt.
This method keeps your culture alive, lean, and ready to work when you need it and it respects your flour and your time.
I keep my scrapings in the fridge between bakes and only feed when I’m prepping dough. No daily feedings. No tossed starter.
So the next time someone asks what you do with your discard, feel free to say:
“I don’t have any. I use the scrapings method because all of it is starter, and none of its waste.”
Or not because I fully understand how corny that sounds.
I’ll get off my soapbox now..
—Sabrina
Our Irish Rye Sourdough Starter brings the bold, hearty character of traditional rye baking into your kitchen. Known for its strong personality and lively fermentation, this starter produces breads with a deep, robust flavor and a pronounced sourdough tang.
Rye starters are naturally aromatic and wonderfully active. As this culture ferments, it develops a rich complexity that gives rye breads their distinctive character. This particular starter is known for its remarkably tart profile, making it one of the more boldly flavored starters in our collection.
The finished breads have a hearty structure with a moist crumb and a deep, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the natural nuttiness of rye flour. It is perfect for traditional rye loaves, rustic sourdough breads, crackers, and other old-world style baked goods.
Rye cultures are also incredibly resilient. They tend to be hardy, dependable, and quick to wake up, making them a favorite among both new and experienced sourdough bakers.
Simple, bold, and full of character, this starter makes it easy to bring authentic rye sourdough baking into your kitchen.
Expect:
• Deep, robust sourdough flavor
• One of the more tart starters in our collection
• Pleasantly tangy aroma with complex fermentation
• Hardy, resilient culture with lively activity
• Perfect for rye loaves, rustic breads, and crackers
Bold, tangy, and deeply traditional, this Irish Rye Starter produces hearty sourdough breads with the unmistakable flavor of classic rye baking.
Our San Francisco “Fisherman’s Wharf” Sourdough Starter captures the unmistakable character of the famous sourdough breads that have made San Francisco baking legendary. Known for its lively fermentation and classic tangy flavor, this starter produces loaves with the signature taste many people associate with the city’s historic bakeries.
San Francisco sourdough has long been celebrated for its unique flavor profile, shaped by the coastal climate and traditional fermentation methods used by generations of bakers. This starter brings that same spirit into your kitchen, delivering the bold, aromatic character that sourdough lovers recognize immediately.
The finished breads develop a beautifully balanced tang, with a chewy yet tender crumb and a crisp crust that makes every slice memorable. The flavor is vibrant and satisfying—perfect for rustic loaves, sandwich bread, and the classic sourdough boules that feel right at home on a soup-and-salad table.
Each bake evokes the experience of strolling along Fisherman’s Wharf, where the aroma of fresh sourdough fills the air and warm loaves are enjoyed with butter, chowder, or simply on their own.
Simple, lively, and full of West Coast character, this starter makes it easy to bring the spirit of San Francisco sourdough baking into your kitchen.
Expect:
• Classic San Francisco-style sourdough tang
• Perfect for boules, sandwich loaves, and artisan breads
Bold, nostalgic, and wonderfully flavorful, this starter produces sourdough breads that capture the iconic taste of San Francisco baking.
Our Ancient Einkorn Sourdough Starter is truly something special. It has a creamy personality with soft vanilla notes and a gentle milk-like sourness that makes every loaf feel rich and comforting. The flavor is delicate but layered, giving you complexity without overpowering tang.
This starter is also incredibly enthusiastic when it comes to rising bread. It is lively, responsive, and more than ready to lift your loaves beautifully. Of all the ancient grains, einkorn comes closest to behaving like modern wheat, which makes it a wonderful choice if you want something heritage-inspired but still approachable to bake with.
Visually, it resembles common wheat more than other ancient grains thanks to its naturally light colored flour. The result is a loaf that feels both rustic and refined, with a tender crumb and a warm golden glow. If you love ancient grains but want reliability and elegance in your baking, this einkorn starter delivers.
Expect:
• Creamy flavor with soft vanilla notes
• Gentle, milk-like sourness
• Lively fermentation and strong rise
• Beautifully balanced flavor without sharp tang
• Tender crumb and warm golden color
• Ancient grain character with approachable baking performance
Elegant, reliable, and full of quiet complexity, this einkorn starter brings ancient grain baking into the modern kitchen with ease.