You sourdough discard is a valuable resource

Sourdough Insights

If you bake with sourdough regularly, you’ve probably faced the same dilemma: what to do with all that leftover starter? Throwing it away feels wasteful—and it is. While there are plenty of great recipes that use discard (think pancakes, muffins, waffles, even dog treats), there’s another creative and long-lasting solution: turning it into sourdough powder.

This method not only reduces waste but also gives you a flavorful, shelf-stable ingredient that can elevate your baking and cooking in surprising ways.

How to make sourdough powder

Start by taking the portion of sourdough you’d normally discard. If it’s a stiff starter, roll it out with a rolling pin. If it’s more liquid, spread it thinly on a baking sheet. Bake it at a low temperature until it’s completely dry. You can experiment with different oven settings to create varying degrees of toastiness and flavor.

Once cooled, break the dried starter into pieces and grind it into a fine powder using a blender, spice grinder, or even a mortar and pestle. The result is a flour-like powder with a flavor profile that reflects your starter—roasted, fruity, tangy, or cereal-like.

How to use it

Sourdough powder is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add 1–5% to your next bread dough for extra flavor and complexity

• Use it to dust your work surface or the top of your loaves before scoring

• Create decorative stencil patterns on your bread crust

• Mix it into pizza dough for a deeper, more fermented taste

• Toss it with potatoes before roasting for a crispy, flavorful crust

• Replace part of the flour in béchamel sauce for a tangy twist

You can store sourdough powder in an airtight jar for 3 to 6 months in a cool, dry place. No need to refrigerate.

Why it matters

This isn’t just about reducing waste—it’s about making the most of what you have. Sourdough powder lets you preserve the unique flavor of your starter and use it in new, creative ways. It’s a simple technique that adds depth to your baking and cooking, while also supporting a more sustainable kitchen.

If you try it, share your creations online using #fleurdelevain or #sourdoughpowder. We’d love to see what you come up with.

🎥 Watch the video tutorial