How do sourdough starters work? Why are bakers talking about it as if it’s alive and would walk on its own?

Question

How do sourdough starters work? Why are bakers talking about it as if it’s alive and would walk on its own?

In: 2

Answer 1

A sourdough starter is a colony of yeast that can be harvested to make bread and replenished as more nutritive medium is added and more yeast grow. The byproducts of the yeast feeding off the nutritive medium imparts a particular flavor to the bread. It’s alive the way a beehive is alive.