November 1, 2015 - 10:47am
My first Sourdough starter. (Need advice)
I started my first Sourdough starter and added organic grapes wrapped in cheesecloth on October 23rd. <!--break--> Its first feeding was four days later. My friend’s 16 year old son died the next day. <!--break--> I returned home today (11/1) and the starter has a milkshake like appearance and a sweet aroma.<!--break--> It’s not as active and there are some bubbles. I can’t find any appearance of mold. <!--break-->Should I continue feeding it or start over?
I'd appreciate any feedback.
Lenore
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I'm very sorry for your loss. Sixteen should be the start, not the end. Peace be with you and your friend.
As to your starter, if it shows activitey and smells good, I'd feed it and see what happens. If it shows mold or smells funky, I would start over. Be patient.
I would suggest that you do a search on this forum for 'starting a sourdough starter' (and other variations of the phrase) and I think you will find a lot of good info about good and bad experiences that could be helpful.
dobie
Hi Dobie,
Great!
I'll follow your suggestion and will go from there.
Thank you,
Lenore
May your friend find comfort. Too tragic to lose a child. Wishing your friend well.
Without the instructions you're following its hard to say. But you say it has no mould. Good sign. If there was red mould I'd say chuck it but an absence of mould and an OK smell its worth just carrying on. I'd take a small amount of healthy looking starter and give it a good feed. Go from there.
It looks like a very high hydration starter. Not sure what I'm looking at actually. There's liquid around it and something inside. Perhaps include the recipe your following?
I believe that is grapes wrapped in cheesecloth. Looks like it might be Nancy Silverton's version. I also say, since there is no mold and smells okay, I would just proceed with the feeding schedule.
Hi Kathy,
You are right and it is Nancy Silverton's version. I proceeded forward and the starter is progressing nicely. I just hate the waste and hope it will make a difference in the long run. Thanks again and your comment is appreciated.
Best,
Lenore
Lenore
Don't worry too much about the waste at the start of a starter. Once it becomes established you will probably find a feeding schedule and use for any discard that works for you.
dobie