Can I feed my starter all-purpose flour?
Yes, but for best and more consistent results, bread flour is recommended!
Can I hydrate my starter with unfiltered water?
Yes, but for best and more consistent results, filtered water is recommended!
My starter isn't doubling in size after at least 4 hours. What should I do?
Try feeding your starter a higher ratio of 1:2:2 or 1:3:3
(starter, flour, water)
Do I have to feed my starter everyday?
Nope! If you don't want to feed your starter daily, you can put your starter into "hibernation" by refrigerating your starter in an airtight container.
I left my starter in hibernation for a long time and now there’s some clear/grey/black liquid on top, is it ruined?
Nope! That liquid on top is called "hooch", it's your starter protecting itself from spoilage. You can simply pour the hooch off and proceed as normal.
Okay. So, does that mean a sourdough starter can never spoil?
No, sourdough starters can spoil, usually due to being stored improperly or an unwanted contaminate finding its way into the starter. The main visual signs of spoilage are pink or orange mold or any kind of fuzzy texture - if you see this, you must dispose of your starter as it is no longer safe to consume.
My starter smells weird, why’s that?
Almost always the reason is just that your starter wants more food; unfed or under-fed starters can smell a bit odd. Smelling sour, acidic, or similar to acetone is normal, it just needs to be fed. Smelling putrid or rotten is not normal and an indicator of spoilage - do not consume.
I have more questions, can you help me?
Yes! Use the contact us button below to send questions.