The Best Jar to Use For Storing Your Sourdough Starter

Sharing is caring!

If you’re diving into the world of sourdough, one of the first things you’ll need to consider is the best jar to use for storing your sourdough starter. The right container is crucial for maintaining a healthy sourdough starter, ensuring proper fermentation, and avoiding unwanted contaminants like fruit flies. Many sourdough bakers swear by wide-mouth jars, while others prefer weck jars or even plastic containers for their ease of use.

Choosing the best jar to use for storing your sourdough starter depends on several factors, including size, material, and ease of maintenance. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your sourdough journey, selecting the perfect jar can make all the difference in the health of your wild yeast. I will share the best options and answer a few commonly asked questions about sourdough starter containers.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, and this post contains affiliate links to products I love ♥ See my full disclaimer here!

Every morning, my routine starts when I head downstairs. I start my coffee on the stove, feed our fur babies, and put the clean dishes away. By the time that is all done, my coffee starts to percolate. While waiting for my first cup of coffee, I feed my sourdough with new flour. 

Usually, before I feed the sourdough, I discard half of it first, then scrap the jar. If the jar is all mucky, I transfer it to a new, clean jar before feeding it with fresh flour. Once it’s fed, I cover it with a linen cloth and set it aside until it’s ready to be fed again or used to make recipes.

Helpful Tips for Choosing the Right Container

• Use a silicone spatula (or silicone scraper) to easily clean the jar’s inside.
• Track your last feeding time by marking the outside of the jar with a rubber band.
• Choose borosilicate glass for a high-quality, durable option.
• Avoid too much space in the jar to maintain an ideal environment for fermentation.
• Rotate between two jars for easy cleaning and maintaining a fresh container.
• Keep the jar in a warm spot at room temperature for the best fermentation results.
• Avoid plastic wrap or aluminum lids, as they can trap too much moisture, leading to mold growth.

The best sourdough starter jar should be:

• Clear/Transparent – Non-reactive, easy to clean, and lets you monitor fermentation.
• Glass – Non-reactive, easy to clean, and enables you to see fermentation.
• Wide-Mouth – Allows for easy feeding, stirring, and cleaning.
• 1-Quart (32 oz) or Larger – Provides enough space for expansion.
• Straight-Sided – Makes it easier to track growth and bubbles.
• Loosely Covered—To prevent pressure buildup, Use a breathable cloth, coffee filter, or a lid left slightly ajar.

Lid for Your Sourdough Container Does Matter

The lid you choose for your sourdough container plays a crucial role in the fermentation process. While you want to protect your starter from contaminants, it’s important to allow airflow so the natural yeasts and bacteria can thrive. 

A loose-fitting lid, breathable cloth, or coffee filter can be perfect for this, as they let gases escape while preventing anything from falling in. On the other hand, airtight lids may cause the starter to overflow or create too much pressure, which can disrupt the fermentation process. It’s all about finding the right balance to encourage your starter’s healthy rise and bubbling activity without restricting its natural fermentation.

How to Choose the Best Lid for Your Sourdough Starter Jar

When choosing a lid for your sourdough starter jar, here are a few options to consider:

Breathable Cloth or Coffee Filter

A cheesecloth, clean kitchen towel, or coffee filter works great for covering your starter. These options allow your starter to breathe, which is essential for fermentation. Simply secure them with a rubber band or string to keep them in place. By doing this setup, it helps maintain proper airflow and keeps contaminants out.

Loose-Fitting Lid

If you prefer a jar with a lid, go for a loose-fitting metal or plastic lid. This enables the gases produced by the fermentation process to escape while preventing dust or debris from entering. Be sure the lid is not sealed tightly, as that can cause pressure buildup and potentially disrupt the fermentation.

Flip-Top Jars (with a Rubber Seal)

Fido jars and other flip-top jars come with a rubber seal but should not be completely closed. These jars are airtight when closed but can be left slightly open to allow air in. Just be sure to leave the lid partially open or loosen it slightly to maintain airflow.

Plastic Wrap (with Holes)

You can also cover your jar with plastic wrap and poke a few tiny holes in it. This provides a barrier against dust and debris but still allows for some airflow. It’s a simple and effective solution if you don’t have a cloth or filter available.

Key Tips for Lids:

A proper lid helps ensure a healthy and active sourdough starter, so don’t overlook this important detail!

• Avoid tight seals that could cause gas buildup.
• Allow some airflow while protecting from contaminants.
• Check the lid regularly to ensure it isn’t obstructing the starter’s growth.

Watching Your Sourdough Starter Grow: A Visual Journey

Watching your sourdough starter grow is one of the most exciting parts of baking! As you feed it, you’ll notice it beginning to bubble, rise, and develop a pleasant tangy aroma. The clear container lets you easily track its progress—seeing the bubbles form and the starter double in size is a great indicator that your starter is healthy and active.

It’s like watching a living organism grow right before your eyes. With each feeding, you’ll be able to indicate the right time for baking or refreshing your starter, making the process feel more rewarding as you nurture it to perfection.

A clear container allows you to see:

A clear container allows you to see the activity and growth of your sourdough starter, including the formation of bubbles, which indicates healthy fermentation. It also makes tracking the rise and fall of your starter easier, helping you know when it’s ready to be fed or used for baking. Seeing the progress visually can give you confidence in the health of your starter and help you adjust feeding schedules accordingly.

What Makes A Good Jar for Sourdough Starter

A good jar for a sourdough starter should have the right size, material, and closure to support fermentation while keeping your starter healthy. Here are some key factors to consider:

Size Matters

Your jar should have enough room for the starter to expand as it ferments. A wide-mouth quart (32 oz) or pint (16 oz) glass jar is ideal for home bakers, while larger batches may need a half-gallon (64 oz) jar.

Material: Glass is the Best

Glass jars are the best option because they are non-reactive, easy to clean, and allow you to see the activity of your starter. Avoid plastic (which can absorb odors and stains) and metal (which can react with acidity).

Wide Mouth for Easy Access

A wide-mouth jar makes stirring, feeding, and cleaning your starter easier. Covering it loosely also allows for better airflow.

Proper Lid or Covering

• Loosely Fitted Lid or Cloth: A sourdough starter needs airflow and should be protected from dust and contaminants. A breathable cover like a cheesecloth, coffee filter, or a loosely placed lid works well.
• Plastic Lid with a Small Hole: If using a screw-on lid, poke a hole or leave it slightly loose to prevent gas buildup.

Straight Sides for Easy Measuring

Jars with straight sides make it easier to track growth and see bubbles forming, indicating a healthy starter.

Sturdy and Easy to Clean

Look for a jar that is dishwasher safe and made of durable glass to handle frequent use.

The Type of Jar That is Best for a Sourdough Starter

When looking for the perfect jar, consider these important factors:

• Wide-mouth jars: It allows easy access for stirring, feeding, and cleaning.
• Clear glass jars: A clear container helps monitor the fermentation process and check for bubbles, an indicator of a healthy starter.
• Straight sides: This makes it easier to scrape down the sides of the jar and track the starter’s rise.
• Airtight lid or loose-fitting cover: A cloth cover, parchment paper, or a plastic lid with a loose fit works best to prevent too much air exposure while allowing gas to escape.
• Size of your starter: A small sourdough starter can be kept in a pint-sized jar, while a larger starter requires a quart or larger container.
• Weck jars with rubber seals: This is a great option since the seal can be removed or left slightly open to allow airflow.

Pro Tip: How to Clean a Dirty Sourdough Starter Jar

To clean a dirty sourdough starter jar, start by rinsing out any leftover starter with warm water. Then, add a few drops of Dawn dish soap and scrub gently with a sponge or brush to remove any stuck-on residue. Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water for a deeper clean, letting it sit in the jar for a few minutes to break down any buildup. 

Rinse thoroughly to ensure no soap or vinegar remains, then allow the jar to dry completely before using it again. Regular cleaning helps maintain a clean jar and provides a healthy sourdough starter free from unwanted bacteria or mold.

FAQs About Sourdough Starter Containers

Can I Use a Plastic Container for My Sourdough Starter?

Using a plastic container for your sourdough starter is not a good idea because it may also contain chemicals that could leach into the starter, impacting its quality. Plastic is more porous than glass, making it harder to keep clean and bacteria-free. Over time, plastic can absorb odors and residues from the starter, which may affect fermentation.

How Big Should My Sourdough Starter Jar Be?

The ideal jar size depends on the amount of starter you keep. A pint jar works well for a small portion, while a quart or larger jar is better if you maintain more starter. Choose a larger jar if you bake frequently or store sourdough discard.

Should the Jar Be Airtight?

Not completely. A completely airtight seal can cause pressure buildup, which isn’t ideal. A cloth cover, paper towel, or a loose-fitting glass lid prevents gases from escaping contaminants.

What’s the Best Lid for a Sourdough Starter Jar?

Plastic lids, aluminum lids, or rubber-sealed weck canning jars work well. Avoid using metal lids without a rubber seal, as they can react with the starter’s acidity.

How Often Should I Replace My Sourdough Starter Jar?

It’s a good idea to clean and rotate jars regularly to maintain a fresh and hygienic environment. Switch to a new jar immediately if you notice excessive buildup, odors, or mold.

Can I Use a Metal Jar for My Sourdough Starter?

No, metal containers are not recommended, as they can react with the starter’s acidic nature, potentially harming its health. Stick to glass or high-quality ceramic.

Final thoughts…

From mason jars to weck jars and plastic containers, there are plenty of excellent choices for storing your precious sourdough starter. Finding the right container will set you up for success in your sourdough journey, ensuring a healthy, happy starter that produces delicious sourdough bread every time.

If you want to follow along on our home restoration/renovation plans and all of our exciting antique & thrift finds, be sure to check out Linen and Wildflowers on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.

Here are some recommended posts that may Fancy your interest!

A Beginner Guide on How to Make a Sourdough Starter

How to Clean & Sterilize Vintage Mason Jars

A Guide for How to Choose the Right Size Mason Jar