May 21, 2015 - 2:47pm
Mixing in a blender?
This is a stupid question but I'm making my first sourdough starter and want to make sure I am doing everything right. The instructions say to stir it by hand but I have been using a blender at low speed to mix the starter each time I feed it, to get rid of all of the flour clumps. I assume this won't affect anything but just want to make sure. So far it is about day 8 and smells like wine or vinegar, but I don't see many bubbles, and the water and flour are separated after 24 hours.
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Hi Luna, assuming you are having a small quantity of starter there....there is no need to use the mixer in order to get rid of the lumps of flour. Assuming it is a 100% hydration starter, it is still workable with a wooden spoon or a wire whisk. I am only using a regular tablespoon and have yet encountered any problems with lumps. Just keep stirring till smooth and proceed with what you are doing next. Should you have a bigger quantiyt of starter there, try mixing it with your hand. Have a big container, it's easier for you to detect any lumps. Moreover, you have less to clean. Hope this helps.
Happy Baking there.
How often are you feeding your starter? Usually when a layer of fluid collects on top it means that your starter is hungry. I also don't think it is necessary to use a mixer. I just stir mine with a small silicone spatula.
There is one suggestion I've seen to the effect that if you use your hand to stir you'll help import the lactic acid bacterias. the last time I made a starter from scratch that's what I did - worked a treat... Messy though.
I use 1 litre kilner jars. Using a mixer just gives you more washing up to do.
By day 8 it ought to be live and workable though. I'd give it a mix, throw half into some flour, water & salt and see what happens...
I use a wooden spurtle to mix my starters now.
-Gordon