Sourdough: potion or poison?

[weizenwind]

Quite a while back (I don't remember when, honestly, so definitely more than a year ago) I bought a package of Goldrush sourdough starter. I finally decided to try it, so I've been carefully following the directions

Comments

[im_sassy]

unfortunately i don't have an answer for you but i do have a packet of sourdough starter in my pantry that i've had for a while. i'd be interested in hearing how your bread turns out if you do go through with it. good luck!

[apropos]

I've never had store bought starter but I've made my own starter a few times.

Sourdough ferment smells different from instant/active dry yeast ferment... it has more alcoholic undertones and the dough will probably have a heavier/sticker consistency.

Stick with it... if it rises, it's probably okay. If it was powdered and kept away from moisture it wouldn't be "bad".

[weizenwind]

Ooh, that's helpful--thanks. Yeah, it does get bubbly when I leave it, so that seems like a good sign. And your description sounds about right. I'll try it!

[apropos]

Sourdough Home has some pretty detailed step-by-step instructions on how to deal with starters. It's an art form, but it pays off if you learn the techniques.