Doris Floats!!

The float test is an essential step to determine the readiness of your sourdough starter before baking. By dropping a small spoonful of the starter in water, you can see if it floats, indicating that it’s fermented enough to provide good rise and texture for your bread. This method is widely used among sourdough bakers to avoid dense or under-proofed loaves. Sourdough starters like Doris gain liveliness through natural fermentation, creating bubbles of carbon dioxide that help the dough rise. When the starter passes the float test, it means these gases are trapped inside the starter’s structure. However, it’s also important to check the starter’s aroma and activity to ensure it’s healthy. Once your starter floats, baking with a Dutch oven can significantly improve your sourdough bread’s crust and crumb. The Dutch oven traps steam, promoting oven spring and a crispy exterior. Preheat the Dutch oven before placing your shaped dough inside for best results. Remember to feed your sourdough starter regularly and keep it at an optimal temperature to maintain its strength. Also, discarding part of the starter before feeding helps manage its growth and acidity. These practices contribute to a lively and reliable sourdough starter ready to bake amazing bread. By mastering the float test along with proper starter care and baking techniques, you can enjoy homemade sourdough bread with great flavor and texture, just like the much-anticipated baking with Doris.