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

Sourdough starters contain live microorganisms such as baker’s yeast and lactic acid bacteria. These microorganisms multiply in the dough and are critical to the making of the bread. Specifically the yeast produces carbon dioxide gas which causes the bread to rise and have small and large holes. While lactic acid bacteria produce lactic acid, which makes sourdough bread taste sour. So yes, the sourdough starter is definitely alive (but wouldn’t walk on its own on account of not having legs).