Hi Barb,... writing again

I began a new starter with pineapple juice - as per Debra Wink - on Sept 16. Sometime last week it started to look promising. I was getting 50% rise after 24 hours but no bubbles percolating through the surface of the starter. I started feeding every 12 hours, 2:1.5:1.5 - the 50% rise continued for a day or two, I went to 1:1:1, then it fell to about 20% rise, at best. (I always used KA white whole wheat). Disappointed, I tried 2:1:1 last night - even worse. But although little rise, the starter beneath the surface is full of bubbles, and the texture is thick and gummy (I don't know if gummy good). You posted that no surface bubbles could mean too fast fermentation, so I just mixed up a feeding with 1:1:1.

I'm really not sure where I am now. I don't mind it's been almost three weeks - I think I'm making every mistake in the book, it's a learning experience! Any advice on how to proceed?

thank very much
Sylvia

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