Published and reviewed August 4, 2026
iPhone starter tracking
How to track a sourdough starter on iPhone
A useful starter log answers three questions: what changed, how long the starter took to peak, and what you should do next. You do not need to record every possible detail.
What to remember
- Log inputs at feeding time and outcomes at peak; those are two separate moments.
- Use the same units and a straight-sided jar so entries are comparable.
- Photographs help with context, but peak time and rise are easier to compare as structured values.
- A reminder should follow the starter’s current rhythm, not replace observation.
The minimum useful feeding record
Swipe the table horizontally →
| Field | Example | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 07:30 | Anchors the interval and the next reminder. |
| Ratio | 1:2:2 | Shows how much fresh food was available. |
| Amounts | 20 g + 40 g + 40 g | Makes the ratio reproducible. |
| Flour | 80% bread, 20% rye | Explains changes in speed and texture. |
| Temperature | 24°C / 75°F | Provides context for fermentation speed. |
| Peak | 2.3× at 6 h 20 | Turns “looked active” into a comparable outcome. |
A two-check workflow
First check: log the feed immediately. Mark the jar and set a provisional reminder to inspect it before the expected peak. Second check: when it reaches its highest point, record the height, elapsed time, aroma, and any unusual texture.
After three comparable feeds, look for a pattern. If peak time shortened while temperature and ratio stayed similar, the starter likely became more active. If one variable changed, avoid crediting the result to something else.
What reminders should do
- Remind you to inspect shortly before the predicted peak.
- Warn you when a feed is due based on the routine you chose.
- Remain easy to reschedule after a temperature or ratio change.
- Avoid repeated generic alerts that teach you nothing about the culture.
From starter log to bake plan
The most valuable prediction is not simply “feed now.” It is knowing when the starter or levain will likely be ready for mixing. A peak-time history lets you work backward from a desired mix time and choose a ratio that fits the day.
Sourdough Forge connects starter records with the bake planner and journal. The purpose is continuity: the feeding that powered a loaf should remain linked to the result you evaluate later.
Frequently asked questions
What should I track in a sourdough starter app?+
Track feed time, ratio, ingredient weights, flour, temperature, rise, and time to peak. Notes and photos are useful when something unusual happens.
Can an iPhone app tell when my starter is ready?+
An app can organize observations and estimate patterns, but you still need to inspect the starter. Readiness depends on repeatable rise, timing, aroma, and the demands of the recipe.
How many feeds are needed before trends are useful?+
Three or more comparable feeds can reveal an early pattern. More history is better, especially across different room temperatures and feeding ratios.