The Fresh Loaf

A Community of Amateur Bakers and Artisan Bread Enthusiasts.

Overfeeding Starter? Too hydrated?

mrharrisonrice's picture
mrharrisonrice

Overfeeding Starter? Too hydrated?

Hi! I'm new to these forms and to sourdough! I'm excited to learn more about the art of sourdough. 

So I started a sourdough starter about two weeks ago following a youtube tutorial. I began with organic rye flour, pineapple juice, and filtered water gradually bringing it up to four ounces w 100% hydration. I had great yeast activity and carbon dioxide bubbles. Last week I did my first feeding using bleached flour as instructed using a 1:1:1 ratio. I've been feeding my starter every 24 hours trying to get it to double. I have tried waiting 48 hours with the same result. It sits in an environment consistent of 67-69 degrees F. 

Basically my starter rises only a little bit, maybe about 1/8, the same amount every time. I'm pretty sure my yeast is active as carbon dioxide bubbles form throughout the starter. There is significant bubbling on the top. The smell is kind of acrylic-y but not vinegar-y. I have noticed that the texture is quite liquidy and is not super spongy. 

Should I try a different feeding recipe that uses less water? Should I feed less often in general? I know that I have to be patient but I've been consistently feeding it for a little over a week with no progress or significant growth. 

You guys' expertise would be appreciated!! Thanks!

 

phaz's picture
phaz

Thicken it up to a wet dough like consistency - stir 2-3 times a day - don't feed (important). When it stops rising (however long that is) start with a 122 (adjust water to keep the dough like consistency) daily feed. Enjoy!

G. Marie's picture
G. Marie

Just say no to bleached flour. 

You want a flour will all the good stuff still in it. Some people say if you want to duplicate someones starter don't ask them for some starter but ask what flour they are using. You want it feed it the same good flour you'll be baking with. 

Mini Oven's picture
Mini Oven

Is too cold.  Have you got a month to wait?

get the temp up to 75° F and see what it does.   Add just enough flour to thicken it up to a very soft dough and get it warmer.   Put a bowl under the starter to catch any overflow.

mrharrisonrice's picture
mrharrisonrice

I will definitely try moving it to a warmer location. Thanks for the tip.