The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Is my starter contaminated? How to tell?

aldo18's picture
aldo18

Is my starter contaminated? How to tell?

my starter is about 3 months old. I kept it in the fridge for about the last two months feeding it weekly(forgot to feed it once for about two or three weeks). THere  were instances where the dried up starter on the  sides of the jar turned dark (might be molds). was about to throw the starter thinking it died, but i gave it a try.

I took some of the starter out the fridge and fed it half its weight. After about 18 hours It looked very bubbly almost doubled or trippled its volume just like a good starter. Now my concern is that it turned grey or a shade darker and has a very strong smell kinda like cheese or vomit or a very sharp yeasty smell.

Unsure if it was bad i proceeded  making the dough and proofed it overnight. The dough proofed well and the bread looked good and airy and taste quite good. it has a sweet taste rather sour.

Is it still possible for a starter contaminated with bacteria and still make or proof good bread? Once baked the foul smell dissipated. This is my first starter to successfully proof however the smell concerns me might a unwanted bacteria.

FYI i didnt get sick. I will upload some photos soon, i might bake another bread with the starter.

Lechem's picture
Lechem (not verified)

If it made bread then it's fine.

A good feed is a 1:1 ratio of starter to flour. So feeding your starter with at least it's own weight with fresh flour, or higher, will make a healthy starter. As for water... it depends on how hydrated you keep your starter.

Perhaps treat your starter to a few good feeds and see if that helps. 

 

hanseata's picture
hanseata

The acidity of the sourdough inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria. If the surface looks dark, or has a puddle on top you can always scrape the dark surface off, and refresh some of the lighter part underneath the dark layer. Only if your sourdough has already grown a "fur" of mold you should trash it. 

Karin