A sourdough starter - called here also levain - is a naturally fermenting mixture of flour and water. It contains a combination of Lactobacillus culture and wild yeasts. A levain produces a vigorous leaven and develops the flavour of the bread. You don’t need ready-to-make starter from a shop or mashed organic apples. The easiest way to make a fresh batch of starter is by combining rye or light rye flour and water and allowing the mixture to sit for a couple of days. The sourdough starter I have made and used for several years to bake my every day bread needs to be looked after and fed every day so patience of a cook is crucial. Find the recipe here...