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.
Asked
Active
Viewed 5.8k times
2 Answers
10
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..
Sobachatina
- 47,627
- 20
- 163
- 255
3
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.