starter

Starting a starter, again

Two weeks away and the old starter turned into grey liquid with a smell I will not describe. Starting over, and writing it down this time.

DayFeedingWhat happened
150 g rye + 50 g waterNothing, smells like wet flour
2noneA few bubbles on top
3discard half, 50/50Doubled overnight, smells of cheese
4discard half, 50/50Completely flat. Normal, apparently
6twice a day, 1:1:1Sour, yoghurt-like, rising again
9twice a day, 1:2:2Doubles in 6 hours at 24 °C

Day four is where most people give up. The first burst of activity comes from bacteria that the rising acidity then kills off; the yeast takes over a few days later.

Day twelve: first loaf. Not beautiful, but it rose, and the jar now lives on a feeding schedule taped to the fridge.

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