Shoutout to my grandma who said my sourdough starter was 'too much work' - got me thinking about the instant yeast vs. starter debate

So I was at my grandma's house last Sunday showing her my sourdough starter that I've been feeding for 3 months. She just shook her head and said 'why do all that work when a packet of yeast does the same thing?' At first I got defensive but then I thought about it. Half the bakers I know swear by starters for the flavor and texture. The other half say instant yeast gives consistent results every time with half the effort. I've had my starter collapse on me twice this month. Is the flavor really worth the hassle? Or are we just making things complicated because it feels more 'authentic'? What do you guys think?

2 comments

2 Comments

carr.gavin28d ago

Honestly my starter literally tried to escape its jar last week so maybe grandma is onto something. Tbh I think we're all just trying to justify the flour bill.

betty_palmer27d ago

The "trying to justify the flour bill" part hits too close to home. My starter has cost me a small fortune in organic flour by now. Solidarity, friend.