Help with starter (10 days in)...
Hi folks:
I am in the middle of my first SD starter. So far so good. I'm using 100% ww org flour, as it's the only thing i have other than bleached AP. The first 10 days went as expected: Started feeding 1:1:1 every 24 hrs. I got the initial bloom and crash and re-bloom. Once the secondary bloom started to strengthen I switched to 1:1:1 feeds every 12 hours and have been getting consistent doubling with a domed-top starter (no crashing). That lasted a couple of days, so last night I decided to increase the feed ratio to 1:2:2. This morning the growth is significantly retarded, maybe 60%. Since I want to be cautious of overfeeding, I am going to let it "eat" for an extra 4-6 hours and keep my eye on it. (Note: room temp in my apartment is in the 64-68 range).
What should I do after that? Is it better to: a) return to 1:1:1 every 12 hours or b) find a timeline for increased feeding ratios (e.g. 1:2:2 or more at longer time intervals like maybe 15-18 hours)?
I am 3-5 days from getting any actual bread flour to bake with, so I've got time to adjust. (Side note: I plan to mix bread flour into the starter food when I get it). Just want to make sure I've got a strong starter by then. Thanks for any tips!
On top of the fridge, in the oven with the light on, in the microwave with a cup of warm water ate a few ideas. It sounds like you are off to a great start but 64-68 is way too cold.
Yes I need to kick up the temp, I’ll look into that. But what about increased feeding? When and how much and what are my goals? I’m guessing I’m ready to bake when I get a 2.5-3x rise in under 6 hours or so?
Good place to start. You’ll have to play with it so that you aren’t a slave to your starter. You should feed it just as it is starting to fall. If it peaks faster than you want it, increase the amount you feed it.
As to the amount of rise for baking, I use mine when it has doubled. Mind you lately, I’ve been letting double then sticking it in the fridge for a day or so and warm it up for a couple of hours when I need it. So it gives me even more flexibility.
You’ll get the hang of it. Just remember that it is alive and needs feeding but it really isn’t all that fragile once you got it going.
for bread flour to arrive, so I have time to play with it.