KAF Sourdough Starter survives more than a year's neglect in the fridge
Some time ago I fell out of the habit of baking my bread. And I also forgot to feed my starter.
Just a few days ago I pulled it out of the ice box and was trying to remember the last time I had used it. I don't know for sure but I do know I haven't touched it at least since Thanksgiving of 2023, so it had been at least a year. At least. I can't say for certain it wasn't two years.
It didn't look particularly neglected, and there wasn't even any likker standing on top of it, so I threw a tablespoonful of the starter into about an equal volume of 50/50 KA APF and Bob's rye flour at 100% hydration (and cheated with a pinch of sugar) and left it sit at room temp (about 68F).
The next day it had a few small bubbles and the distinct aroma of fermentation. So I added more water, APF and rye. The day after that it was making more normal-sized bubbles so I doubled the volume again.
Today it looked so healthy I dumped the rest of what was in my sourdough jar and replaced it with the resurrected starter. Four days ago it was given up for dead, better than 12 months in the grave. Today it's hale and hearty.
The notorious "They" say that the last living thing to survive a nuclear holocaust will be the cockroach. I'm of the opinion that that honor will go to King Arthur sourdough starter.
I had a similar experience. My niece created my starter from scratch, using the King Arthur directions, several years ago. I used it a lot, then one thing led to another, then COVID happened, and my starter sat in the door of the frig, untouched, for about 4 years. About a year ago, I took it out expecting the worst. I did have a bit of hooch on top. I stirred it in. It was a bit gray, but it smelled and tasted fine. I took half out and dried it. I fed the other half and within about 4 days it was amazingly enthusiastic. It still is. Sourdough is resilient.