I've been a baaad baaad girl. Q. about my super old, unfed starter!
Neglect doesn't seem harsh enough a word!
I was all obsessed with learning about bread-baking and sourdough starters etc. back when the weather was cold. Then, well, even before the weather warmed up, I went in another direction. I left a few experimental jars of starter in the back of my fridge for probably a good 4-6 months! When I came back, about a month ago (?), all but one jar had starter that looked dangerous (blue or black veins running through the rest of them). One jar though had just dark green hooch on top and smelled just strong but not as bad as I've read it should be if bad.
So I poured off the liquid, and then even tried spooning off the top layer just to play it extra safe, then I stirred it. I noticed how exceptionally thick and gummy this stuff was. Glue-like or bouncy - as if it were already dough. I then transferred it into another container and then stuck it back in the fridge STILL WITHOUT FEEDING IT (how awful, getting its hopes up like that!!). Today, I finally came back and measured it out. It smelled sour and fruity (have only ever used flour and water) and was about a half-cup of starter. I couldn't remember the rules of starter so I added a cup of flour and a little less than that of luke warm water and stirred it up. Then I stuck it back in the fridge with loose lid. This was actually about 45 minutes ago. Should I go back and take it out of the fridge and let it sit out a day or two?
Main question though: do you think it's more likely safe than not? Since there were no veins in it? It was dark green - not black, not pink. Didn't smell great but not "off," as I've heard others describe the ones that should be thrown out.
Thank you!