Fixing Common Sourdough Starter Problems with the Nourishing Traditions Method

Watch the Tackling Sourdough Starter Challenges – Part 2 video

In this vodcast I continue my series on overcoming sourdough starter problems. Part 2 focuses on the Nourishing Traditions approach to creating a sourdough starter, based on Sally Fallon’s recipe from her cookbook. I explain the method, share troubleshooting tips, and report on my own results using this classic technique.

These conversational vodcasts are part of my YouTube membership, the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy, and are available to members—our Kitchen Pioneers—along with other members-only content and perks.

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The full vodcasts are published for members of the Traditional Foods Kitchen Academy. If you’re curious about membership, it’s optional and includes exclusive videos, behind-the-scenes content, and direct interaction. I continue to publish detailed weekly cooking videos on my public YouTube channel for everyone to watch free of charge.

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This post also includes links to the public videos I reference in the vodcast, so you can follow along whether you’re a member or not.

What is a Nourishing Traditions Sourdough Starter?

In Nourishing Traditions, Sally Fallon helped launch the modern traditional foods movement and shared a straightforward sourdough starter recipe. Her starter uses only rye flour and water—no commercial yeast, no additives. This simple combination can yield a robust starter, and I demonstrate the method in my “How to Make a Foolproof Sourdough Starter” video.

Although rye and water are often the easiest path to a strong starter, some bakers find this method frustrating because ferments can be temperamental. Starter failures can happen for many reasons—flour type, temperature, or local yeast populations—so I cover common pitfalls and fixes in the vodcast to help you get consistent results.

How to Get a Nourishing Traditions Sourdough Starter Going

In the Nourishing Traditions Natural Yeast Bread recipe, Sally describes a technique that pairs rye flour with mashed grapes. Grapes carry natural yeasts and beneficial bacteria, which can kick-start fermentation when combined with flour and water. This grape-based method is simple and accessible, and it can be especially helpful if you’ve struggled to establish a starter using only flour and water.

In the vodcast I walk through the Nourishing Traditions process step by step, explain why mashed grapes work, and share tips for nurturing the starter until it’s reliably active. For members, I’ve also posted the exact recipe and additional notes in the members-only YouTube community.

For more details and the Nourishing Traditions starter recipe, see the members-only YouTube community post.

If you missed Part 1 of this series—where I use the King Arthur Baking approach—watch that video to compare methods and choose the one that best fits your pantry and schedule.

How to Tackle Sourdough Starter Challenges – King Arthur Baking Approach

Sourdough Starter Videos

If you haven’t created a sourdough starter yet, I recommend watching the videos below. Each covers a different approach so you can pick the one that matches the flour you have and the time you want to invest.

Foolproof Sourdough Starter – Best when you have rye flour.
Complete Sourdough Starter Guide – A thorough method using all-purpose flour.
Busy Mother’s Sourdough Secrets – A quicker approach with a few practical shortcuts.

How to Make a Foolproof Sourdough Starter

The Complete Sourdough Starter Guide

Busy Mother’s Sourdough Secret – The Easy Way to Make Sourdough Starter and Sourdough Bread

Shop for items used in this blog post or video

Favorite Bread Making Supplies

Baking Apron
Sourdough Starter (if you prefer to buy one)
Yeast Water Glass Bottle (if experimenting with yeast water)
10-Piece Glass Bowl Set
Danish Dough Whisk
Plastic Bench Scraper
Metal Bench Scraper
Metal Loaf Pans
Cast-Iron Dutch Oven
Baking Stone
Instant Yeast for conventional baking

Favorite Kitchen Supplies

Chef’s Knife
Bamboo Cutting Board
Lodge Cast Iron Frying Pan
Scanpan
Spatula Spoon
Whisk
Large Stock Pot
Stainless Steel Colander
Large Measuring Cup
Stainless Steel Measuring Cups and Spoons
Baking Sheet
2-Cup Glass Storage Jars with Lids
Flour Sack Towels
Fat Separator
Favorite Aprons

I also mention a few fermentation kits, grain grinders, and whole-grain suppliers that I use and recommend. Promo codes and savings information are available for members and in video descriptions when applicable.

Masontops Fermentation Kit
Mockmill Grain Grinder and whole grains