How can I tell if my inherited sourdough starter is still good?

When it comes to sourdough baking, having a healthy and active starter is crucial. If you've inherited a sourdough starter or have one that has been sitting in your fridge for a while, you may be wondering if it's still good to use. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to determine the freshness and health of your sourdough starter.

1. Visual Inspection: Start by taking a good look at your sourdough starter. A healthy starter should have a creamy consistency and a slightly sour smell. It may also have small bubbles on the surface, indicating that fermentation is taking place. If your starter has a strange odor, mold, or a layer of liquid on top (known as hooch), it may be a sign that it needs some attention.

2. Smell Test: Give your starter a sniff. A healthy starter should have a pleasant, slightly tangy aroma. If it smells overly sour, like vinegar, or has a foul odor, it may be time to refresh or revive it.

3. Float Test: The float test is a reliable way to check the activity of your sourdough starter. Take a small spoonful of your starter and drop it into a glass of water. If it floats, it means that there is enough gas being produced by the yeast to create buoyancy. This is a good sign that your starter is active and ready to use. If it sinks, it may need some feeding and time to become active again.

4. Feeding and Refreshing: If your sourdough starter fails the visual inspection, smell test, or float test, don't worry! It's not the end of the world. In fact, sourdough starters are quite resilient and can often be revived with a little TLC. Start by discarding a portion of your starter (about half) and then feeding it with equal parts flour and water. Repeat this process every day or every 12 hours until your starter shows signs of activity again.

5. Patience: Remember, sourdough baking is a slow and patient process. It can take a few days or even a week for a neglected starter to regain its strength. Be patient and consistent with your feeding routine, and your starter will eventually come back to life.

By following these steps, you can determine if your inherited sourdough starter is still good to use. If you find that your starter is not as active as you'd like, don't be discouraged. With a little time and care, you can revive your starter and get back to baking delicious sourdough treats in no time!

Mason Levain

food science, research, cycling, playing the guitar

Mason Levain is a food scientist and sourdough aficionado who has dedicated his career to understanding the science behind sourdough fermentation. He has published numerous research papers on the topic and is often sought after for his expertise. Mason is also an avid home baker and enjoys experimenting with unique sourdough recipes.