Hi Cresta, is your starter bubbling at all? As long as your starter is bubbling, that is a hopeful sign, even if it isn't rising. I wouldn't worry too much about the hooch, and you could certainly try the once a day feeding routine. If you can't get Whole Wheat flour, Whole Rye flour (Pumpernickel) would also work, but even with Unbleached All-Purpose flour this might be worth a shot. You probably saw the alternative feeding plan when you were reading through the comments, but with the AP flour I would just try the once a day feeding with 4 ounces (1/2 cup) starter + 2 ounces (scant 1/2 cup) AP flour + 2 ounces (1/4 cup) water. Once the starter is rising predictably you can return to the regular feeding routine of twice a day feedings and 4 ounces each of starter, flour and water. Try to place your starter in a container with relatively straight sides that is taller than it is wide; this will make it easier to see when the starter begins to double in size. Also, make sure that the starter quantity isn't just a thin layer in a large container, as this isn't ideal for starter health. I hope this helps! Let us know how it goes.
March 20, 2020 at 2:54pm
In reply to Hello! I've tried to read… by Cresta (not verified)
Hi Cresta, is your starter bubbling at all? As long as your starter is bubbling, that is a hopeful sign, even if it isn't rising. I wouldn't worry too much about the hooch, and you could certainly try the once a day feeding routine. If you can't get Whole Wheat flour, Whole Rye flour (Pumpernickel) would also work, but even with Unbleached All-Purpose flour this might be worth a shot. You probably saw the alternative feeding plan when you were reading through the comments, but with the AP flour I would just try the once a day feeding with 4 ounces (1/2 cup) starter + 2 ounces (scant 1/2 cup) AP flour + 2 ounces (1/4 cup) water. Once the starter is rising predictably you can return to the regular feeding routine of twice a day feedings and 4 ounces each of starter, flour and water. Try to place your starter in a container with relatively straight sides that is taller than it is wide; this will make it easier to see when the starter begins to double in size. Also, make sure that the starter quantity isn't just a thin layer in a large container, as this isn't ideal for starter health. I hope this helps! Let us know how it goes.
Barb