But here's a reliable shortcut: You can also create a sourdough starter with the help of a bit of store-bought yeast.
The care and maintenance of a sourdough starter requires discarding part of the starter when you feed it (we'll get there), so it is pretty easy to nab some off a pal. If no one around you has any, all you need to make your own is time and patience — and also flour and water. But here's a reliable shortcut: You can also create a sourdough starter with the help of a bit of store-bought yeast.