October 29, 2019 - 4:16pm
Do you think this is safe/will work?
I bought a small book about Alaskan sourdough in a used book store. When I got home and started looking at it, there is an envelope of dried sourdough starter. The book was published in 2007, "Simply sourdough: The Alaskan Way. I've never tried sourdough before although it's on my list of things to do. Do you think it's worth trying to mix up this starter? Are there any telltale signs it shouldn't be used? I'm wondering what kind of conditions this book has been through since 2007.
Judi
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Dehydrated sourdough is generally viable for years. I’d be surprised if it wasn’t good. Try to activate it and let us know how it works out.
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Danny
Mix 50g water and 50g wholewheat or rye flour and mix in your old starter. After a day you should know. Just avoid using plain white flour, my bacteria seems not to like that type too much and don't react well. Best is rye, it's the most stable type.
I revived a 50 yr old packet that was sold as a tourist souvenir in the 60's. It just about jumped out of the jar when I activated it but it really smelled of rancid wheat! I guess I'd smell bad after 50 yrs without a bath and change of clothes! The whole wheat it was dried in had the oils go rancid. All I did was "wash" it by keeping the volume of the starter low (a few tablespoons) and generously discarding until eventually all the flour was changed out.
"Jack" has proven to be a great starter over the years. Apparently he and his friends get along nicely and make great bread.
Have fun!