Safe uses for sourdough starter discards during building phase [closed]
![Safe uses for sourdough starter discards during building phase [closed] - Closeup of weathered old rusty brown locked wooden door with cracks on surface with aged metal handle](/assets/images/safe_uses_for_sourdough_starter_discards_during_building_phase_closed_0.jpeg "Safe uses for sourdough starter discards during building phase [closed] - Closeup of weathered old rusty brown locked wooden door with cracks on surface with aged metal handle")
I was wondering if there are any safe uses for the sourdough starter that is discarded during the build phase, i.e. in the first 1-2 weeks before the starter has stabilized. Assuming that there is no obvious mold or acetone smell, is it safe to use, and what would be good ways to use it?
Best Answer
As long as there is no mold or any "off" smells, any use in which the discard gets cooked (i.e., no raw flour ends up in your final product) should be safe. After all, your starter is little more than a mixture of flour and water, the main ingredients in any number of baking recipes.
The internet is littered with recipes using sourdough discard. A personal favourite of mine are these cookies. If your starter has not yet matured, it is likely that it will not have the leavening power some recipes require. Look out for recipes that include alternative leaveners (such as baking powder or regular yeast), or that won't suffer from not rising (like these crackers). Once your starter is happily bubbling away, any recipe is an option.
Pictures about "Safe uses for sourdough starter discards during building phase [closed]"
![Safe uses for sourdough starter discards during building phase [closed] - Worried casual female wearing protective mask and looking at camera while answering phone call against blurred background in city center during coronavirus pandemic](/assets/images/safe_uses_for_sourdough_starter_discards_during_building_phase_closed_1.jpeg "Safe uses for sourdough starter discards during building phase [closed] - Worried casual female wearing protective mask and looking at camera while answering phone call against blurred background in city center during coronavirus pandemic")
![Safe uses for sourdough starter discards during building phase [closed] - Top view of many clean single use light blue surgical protective face mask lying on top of each other in disorder](/assets/images/safe_uses_for_sourdough_starter_discards_during_building_phase_closed_2.jpeg "Safe uses for sourdough starter discards during building phase [closed] - Top view of many clean single use light blue surgical protective face mask lying on top of each other in disorder")
![Safe uses for sourdough starter discards during building phase [closed] - Blue single use medical face masks](/assets/images/safe_uses_for_sourdough_starter_discards_during_building_phase_closed_3.jpeg "Safe uses for sourdough starter discards during building phase [closed] - Blue single use medical face masks")
What can you do with sourdough discards?
How to Use Up Your Sourdough DiscardCan you save sourdough starter discard?
It's possible to keep the sourdough discard fresher for up to 1 week by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.Can you use old sourdough discard?
You can use old sourdough discard if it's been stored in the fridge, however, you really want to use it up within a week - 2 weeks max. It's better to use "fresh" discard in a sweet sourdough discard recipe. Use older discards in more savory recipes.Active Starter vs Discard - When and Which to use and Why
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Monstera, Gustavo Fring, Karolina Grabowska, Karolina Grabowska