How to feed/ revive sourdough starter or discard that’s been in your fridge for a while! #sourdough, by Muscle Momma Sourdough on YouTube. 1 min 1 s.
- Video length
- 1 min 1 s
- Time to do it
- 5 days
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Take the jar out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for 30 to 60 minutes so it comes closer to room temperature.
Check the top. A layer of dark liquid is normal. Fuzzy mould, pink or orange streaks, or a rotten smell means you should throw the starter out and start fresh.
Pour off the liquid or stir it back in, depending on how sour you want the starter to taste.
Weigh 25 to 50 g of starter into a clean jar and discard the rest, or keep it in a second jar for baking.
Feed it equal weights of flour and water. For example, 50 g starter, 50 g water and 50 g flour. Stir until no dry flour is left.
Cover the jar loosely and leave it somewhere warm, around 21 to 24 C, out of direct sun.
Wait 12 hours, then look for bubbles and a rise. If nothing happens, feed again using the same weights.
Keep discarding down to 50 g and feeding once or twice a day until the starter doubles in size within 4 to 8 hours of a feed.
Tips and common mistakes
Use lukewarm water, never hot, because heat above about 40 C can kill the yeast.
A sluggish starter often wakes up faster with a spoonful of whole wheat or rye flour in the feed.
Weigh everything rather than using cups, since flour and water volumes vary a lot.
If the starter smells like nail polish remover, feed it more often and keep it warmer.
Questions
How do I know if my starter is dead?
Fuzzy mould, pink or orange patches, or a genuinely rotten smell mean it is spoiled and should be binned. Dark liquid on top is not a sign of death.
How long does it take to revive a fridge starter?
Most starters bounce back in 3 to 5 days of twice daily feeding. A starter left for several months may need a full week.
Can I use the dark liquid on top?
Yes. That liquid is called hooch. Stir it in for a tangier starter or pour it off for a milder one.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
