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Any sourdough experts out there?

7 replies

testing123testing123 · 11/06/2017 19:51

Need help! My 3 year old sourdough starter has gone rubbish. It used to be really good but now it seems to be really weak and makes really sour bread with barely any rise. I don't think I've changed anything apart from I'm now using Essential Waitrose bread flour, where I think I used to use organic. I've always used Hugh Fearnley's sourdough recipe which used to work great.

If you make great sourdough, could you please let me know exactly what your routine is? For the starter and loaves?

Would really love to get back into my sourdough baking so eagerly awaiting responses! Thanks ☺️

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TheColdDoesBotherMeAnyway · 11/06/2017 19:57

I use Tesco flour so nothing fancy. My starter took a week - I used this from Good Food. It's been going for around 2 years now and still going strong.
When I make a loaf I make the dough in the early evening and bake it the following morning. My starter has 100g flour and 125ml warm water added to it. Where are you storing it? Generally I leave it on the worktop but if I know I won't be using it for a few days it goes in the fridge.

testing123testing123 · 11/06/2017 20:10

Storing it on the worktop and feed roughly once a day. Do you use that recipe for the loaf as well, thecold?

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TheColdDoesBotherMeAnyway · 11/06/2017 20:41

I only feed it when I use it, so every 3-4 days. The rest of the time I ignore it.
I do use that recipe, except I just leave it to prove overnight in the bowl, I don't shape it and prove it again. And I use a loaf tin.

CaptainWarbeck · 12/06/2017 07:35

It sounds like it needs feeding up a bit. Could you increase the feeds, and keep an eye on it to check it's doubling and the rough time frame? It'll depend on the temperature of your kitchen, but you'd expect it to be more active in warmer weather.

I used to keep mine in the fridge and take it out for a pre-bake feed each week.

whataboutbob · 15/06/2017 19:37

It may help to transfer it to a new, pre -sterilised jar. I have done that when my starter got a bit "manky" and it works well. It does sound like you are feeding it enough, once a day is plenty.

reallybadidea · 15/06/2017 19:41

My starter got 'infected' a few months ago and started to smell yucky. I'm afraid I had to start again Sad

testing123testing123 · 15/06/2017 21:08

I think perhaps I was feeding it often enough but not discarding or feeding enough quantity. Have changed this now and seems to be getting better. Will report back when I know more!

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