Has my sourdough gone moldy?
Today as I checked on my sourdough starter, I noticed some dry white patches on its surface. Has it gone moldy? If so, is it safe to just scrape off the mold and use the remainder as usual?
The sourdough smells cheesy / yeasty, nothing that yells "I've gone bad!" at me. There is no liquid on top. I've left the jar open for the last two days covered with a cloth, can it have anything to do with it?
Best Answer
Scouring the internet a bit more, apparently the crust was some nitrogen-hungry form of yeast.
However, I did as suggested in this similar question, discarded most of the sourdough and used a bit of it to start a new one. Wish me luck for it!
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Quick Answer about "Has my sourdough gone moldy?"
When developed on food (like sourdough starter) mold has a discolored and fuzzy appearance. One of the defining factors of mold is the fuzz. You wouldn't consume any part of a moldy strawberry - and the same goes for your sourdough starter. If it shows any signs of mold it needs to be thrown away.How do I know if my sourdough is moldy?
Mold takes on many texture and colors depending on the temperature, humidity, the type of bread, and how long the mold has been left to grow; if you see fuzzy growth of any color on your sourdough bread, it has most likely gone moldy, it can not be saved and you should discard the bread.What happens if my sourdough starter gets moldy?
If mold does appear, it may be time to discard the starter and begin again with a new starter, or it may be possible to revive the starter. Exercise good judgment. If the mold is only infecting the surface, reviving the starter may be appropriate.How can you tell if sourdough is bad?
You can tell that a sourdough starter is bad or dead if it doesn't respond to regular feedings after being unfed for a long time or if they develop any kind of mold or discoloration.Does sourdough have mold?
Sourdough bread resists mold, unlike conventionally leavened bread. Now scientists show why. During sourdough production, bacteria convert the linoleic acid in bread flour to a compound that has powerful antifungal activity. Sourdough bread resists mold, unlike conventionally leavened bread.How To Fix A Sourdough Starter Gone Mouldy
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