Help with Sourdough Starter -- Failed the Float Test Stage

Dear Food52,

I tried your sourdough starter tutorial twice. All went well until the third feeding and float test. The starter separated, became thin and did not float. Would you be able to tell me what I did wrong? The second time I did a fourth feed and float test again without success.

Many thanks!

Ann Niehoff

jahn
  • Posted by: jahn
  • April 9, 2020
  • 2022 views
  • 1 Comment

1 Comment

Coral L.
Coral L. April 10, 2020
Hi Ann! Those cues ("separated, became thin and did not float") mean that your starter is hungry! It is now more active and will require more frequent feedings. It will require a bit of trial and error, but you want to perform the float test before it gets to that thin/separated state—while it's tallest, most poofy/foamy, and smells of yeastiness/fruitiness, not overly sour.

For a deeper dive, here's a wonderful resource: https://www.theperfectloaf.com/frequently-asked-sourdough-starter-questions/
 
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