Tales from a Sourdough Scientist

Baking Like It’s 90210

Holy smokes, you guys. HOLY SMOKES.

No one warned me that sourdough starter smells like someone who went to Burning Man and never showered once.

I expected a slight yeasty vibe. I did not expect the olfactory equivalent of someone who hasn’t used soap since 1998.

The first time I cracked open that jar, I wasn’t sure I would recover, let alone continue. But I pulled up my big girl pants, plugged my nose, and carried on like the champ I am.

So let’s rewind a bit. The last time we chatted, I had just bought the fancy French flour from the French market and was ready to embark on my sourdough journey. But then I spiraled, like any good ADHD-er would. I watched 472 YouTube videos, combed through multiple forums, and quickly realized I needed more flour.