Reviving a neglected sourdough starter

September 2026

After three weeks at the back of the fridge the starter had a grey layer of liquid on top. Pour it off, keep a spoonful of the paste underneath, and feed it equal weights of flour and lukewarm water twice a day.

Rye flour wakes it up fastest. By the third day it doubled within six hours again, which is the sign it is ready to bake with.