The Fresh Loaf

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Converting sugar/potato flake/water starter to just flour/water?

LLM777's picture
LLM777

Converting sugar/potato flake/water starter to just flour/water?

Can I convert a mature starter my friend gave me (3 tbs. potato flakes, 1.5 c. sugar, 1 c. hot tap water) to a regular flour and water starter? I really just want to use ap flour and not use potato and sugar. Is this possible and what would be approx amounts of flour and water? There is about 1.5 c. of starter total.  Thanks!

LLM777's picture
LLM777

So I'll see how it goes...

Mini Oven's picture
Mini Oven

I see you didn't get an answer.   These things take time sometimes esp. with an unusual starter.  Sorry about that...

I've never had a potato/sugar/starter ( wow! a lot of sugar!) and don't know what kind of shock the beasties are in for.  I suppose they will first protest. You may have to add a little bit of sugar, a Tablespoon or so eventually reducing to no sugar.   And watch the starter carefully.  Put a dish underneath should it flow over.  Flour contains gluten and therefore will trap the gas rising up the jar.   How often are they normally fed?  Any details would be helpful.  

Glad to see you back!

Mini

LLM777's picture
LLM777

So hopefully that will feed them. I don't use that much sugar normally but it was such a mature starter and had such a lovely scent that I didn't want to pass it up. My friend feeds hers once a week with the amounts I put in the original post.  There are also specific recipes she uses but I want to use this as a sourdough for any bread. I am definitely not experienced with sourdough (mainly whole wheat and grains) but am willing to try it out. 

It is somewhat bubbly so there is hope. Thanks, Mini, and I am glad to see you are still sharing your wisdom. :)