The Fresh Loaf

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Help! Is my starter contaminated?

Jebread's picture
Jebread

Help! Is my starter contaminated?

Heres a picture of my starter with a streak at the top left: https://imgur.com/LfwTVz8

I started my first starter two weeks ago, and last week it finally seemed ready and I baked my first loaf which was great. I fed it one more time and waited a few hours till it doubled in volume before moving it to a clean container and into the fridge.

I just took it out of the fridge so I could use a little bit to make a levain, and found this streak on the surface. Is this a sign that it needs to be thrown out?

I dumped the part with the streak out and just mixed together 20g of starter with equal parts water and flour for the levain. Are there any signs I should look out for tomorrow morning to see if it's gone bad? Thanks in advance!

idaveindy's picture
idaveindy

I think I see it, but it's not obvious.

What would you say is the color of the streak?

 

Jebread's picture
Jebread

I think it's orange

idaveindy's picture
idaveindy

Put: orange mold starter

in the TFL search box and see what comes up.

(I would rather teach you how to fish, than to just give you the fish.)

phaz's picture
phaz

Just look for continued growth - the orange streak that is. Although I think I would have taken less to start and add more food. It may take a few days, but if nothing shows and smells and other signs are normal it'll be ok. And if not, start another, that's easy enough. Enjoy!