Why does my sourdough starter have in the top the liquid separated from the flour?
Why does my sourdough starter have in the top the liquid separated from the flour? 2 days after beginning a new one, a liquid (water) appeared on top of it, it appeared after I fed it the first time. To feed it I discarded half of the starter and then I added 5 tbsp of flour and 5 tbsp of tap water to feed it. Then, on the next day the liquid appeared like that. I don't think it's OK, so I discarded that liquid, and then waited a full 24 hours to feed it again like that.
Best Answer
That is referred to as "hooch". It is water and alcohol. It forms when the yeast has passed its peak activity. I've noticed that it corresponds with the increase of bacterial activity when the starter gets more sour.
The hooch will not form when you are feeding regularly. It is harmless and can be discarded or mixed back in.
Sourdough is a balancing act. Finding the feeding rate that will produce the lift and flavor you want. Slower feeding will make it more acidic and rise less. More frequent feeding will do the opposite. You can experiment to get a healthy starter with the flavor you like. When learning you should start with a proven recipe..
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Quick Answer about "Why does my sourdough starter have in the top the liquid separated from the flour?"
A sourdough starter has liquid on top means the starter just needs more flour to feed it. The hooch is harmless, you can simply stir it back into the starter, and feed it with fresh flour and water. Hooch is common if you have left it longer than usual between feedings.Why does my sourdough starter have a layer of liquid on top?
"Hooch" is the liquid that collects on the top of your starter when it hasn't been fed in awhile. This liquid is the alcohol given off as wild yeast ferments. The presence of hooch isn't a sign that your starter is in danger. However, it does indicate that your starter is hungry and needs to be fed.Why is water separating from my sourdough starter?
It is water and alcohol. It forms when the yeast has passed its peak activity. I've noticed that it corresponds with the increase of bacterial activity when the starter gets more sour. The hooch will not form when you are feeding regularly.Should I pour the hooch off my sourdough starter?
The dark liquid is a form of naturally occurring alcohol known as hooch, which indicates that your sourdough starter is hungry. Hooch is harmless but should be poured off and discarded prior to stirring and feeding your starter.What's that liquid in my starter?
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Answer 2
Your starter is too wet. Add less water. It's supposed to be no more than equal weights, but you are doing equal volume. Water does not weigh the same as flour.
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