Sourdough Starter SOS: Troubleshooting Common Problems

Is your little yeast buddy acting a bit off? Whether you’re just getting started or you’ve been nurturing your starter for a sourdough baking class, it’s not uncommon for problems to pop up and throw a wrench in your baking plans. Don’t fret—all it takes is a sprinkle of troubleshooting know-how, and you’ll be able to have your sourdough starter bubbling with joy again.

The Secret to Stable Starters in Hot Climates.

Living in sunny Singapore has its perks, but did you know that it also affects our starters? The warm climate can actually accelerate fermentation, leading to some of the sourdough starter issues we've discussed.

Here’s a simple and effective trick: Simply tweak your mixture of starter, flour, and water to a ratio of 1:5:4 rather than the usual 1:1:1. This adjustment may be subtle, but it’ll make a world of difference in keeping your starter stable, healthy, and ready for delicious baking.

But, if you still find yourself having trouble with a fussy sourdough starter, here are some troubleshooting tips that’ll help put them to rest.

Common Starter Problems and How to Fix Them

1. Starter Not Bubbling

If your sourdough starter isn’t producing bubbles or rising as expected, it could be due to a lack of fuel or a chilly environment. Just like us humans, starters need a good feed to stay active. If your feeding schedule has been a bit erratic, try increasing the frequency to one or even two feedings a day, depending on your starter’s maturity.

Temperature is also important. These little yeasty creatures thrive in temperatures between 24–27°C. Give it the right environment, and you’ll soon see it come to life with those lovely bubbles.

2. Strong, Unpleasant Odour

While a slight sourness is perfectly normal for a sourdough starter, a strong, unpleasant odour can indicate a couple of things. Perhaps your starter is a bit overzealous and has fermented a little too enthusiastically. Or maybe it's just plain hungry, calling out for a fresh feed.

The solution is simple: Give it a refresh. Discard a portion of it and feed it with equal parts fresh flour and water. This will help balance the starter’s diet and restore that lovely, tangy aroma you’re aiming for. If the smell persists, repeat this step until the unpleasant smell has dissipated entirely.

3. Hooch Formation

If you notice a mysterious grey liquid forming on the surface of your starter, don't panic. This is simply hooch, a harmless byproduct of the fermentation process as well as a sign that your starter has run out of fuel. Gently pour the hooch off and follow with a fresh feed; this will keep your starter happy and active. Regular feedings will also prevent the hooch from making a reappearance.

4. Thin or Runny Consistency

Does your sourdough starter resemble a loose batter rather than a thick, bubbly dough? If yes, then it might be a tad too wet. This can happen if your feeding ratios are off balance, making the starter more difficult to work with and less likely to produce those perfect rises.

To fix this, simply adjust your measurements and add more flour to your next feed. This will help balance the moisture content and create a thicker consistency. Remember, a happy starter is a thick starter!

5. Discolouration or Mould

While the occasional funky smell or a layer of hooch are nothing to worry about, some signs indicate a more serious problem. Pink, orange, or grey patches, or worse, mould growth, is a sign that your starter has become contaminated. This is a big no-no for sourdough baking and can even pose health risks. Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for a mouldy starter—it’s best to say goodbye and start anew.

The Secret to a Happier, Bubblier Sourdough Starter

From dealing with fermentation problems to troubleshooting yeast, these tips will set you up for success! But, if you’re truly looking to take your bread-making skills to the next level, why not join Bespoke Bread’s sourdough workshops in Singapore? We’ll guide you through every step of the process, from creating your starter to baking beautiful loaves that will have your family lining up for seconds.

Don’t hesitate—get in touch today.

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