Getting Started with Sourdough: How to Make a Starter From Scratch

8. Troubleshooting Tips

Your sourdough starter only needs water and warmth to grow. If the starter is growing slowly, keep at a warmer temperature. You may see a clear liquid collect on top of the starter. This liquid is often called the “hooch” and is a byproduct of alcoholic fermentation. When hooch collects on top of your starter, it means the starter is overdue for a feeding. You can either mix the liquid into your starter or discard it before feeding your starter. While you shouldn’t worry about the hooch, other growths are cause for concern. Mold or bad bacteria can appear in streaks of pink or orange. If you see mold growing on your starter, you must toss your entire starter.