The key idea

Feeding by retained starter weight makes the daily arithmetic clear. “Discard half” can describe a changing amount if the jar’s total changes after each feeding.

What to compare

For example, keeping 60 g starter and adding 60 g flour plus 60 g water gives 180 g total. Keeping half of that next time means retaining 90 g, so the ratio changes. Choose a defined retained mass when tracking a feeding routine, and check gluten-free ingredients and cross-contact.

Continue reading

For quantities, use the hydration reference or arithmetic guides. For a complete cooking method, choose one of the published recipe references and follow its ingredients, equipment and process together.

Sources & scope

Source-based explanation and editorial checklists by SourdoughStart, operated by Tag Ad Limited. AI-assisted article revised 2026-10-12. Source links are not endorsements.

Revision note: prepared for the new reference-led edition. Suggest a correction.

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