Sourdoughs International

Spring is in the air...along with a few white snowflakes!  Not out of the ordinary for Cascade, Idaho.  We have been getting a lot of questions about cultures needing washing.  Let me first let you know that you only wash a culture if it smells bad.  And believe me you will know when a culture smells bad.  So below I have included the process for washing cultures.  You would be amazed at how many cultures are saved by doing this.

“Washing” a culture:  During the first step of activation contamination by organisms present in most flour sometimes occurs.  It usually appears in the first 24 hours and produces sufficient bubbles and foam to suggest that the culture is activating.  An unpleasant odor is a good indication of contamination.  It usually occurs when the initial activating temperature is not high enough, causing slow acidification by the lactobacilli.  It can usually be corrected by “washing”, which gives the lactobacilli another opportunity to acidify the culture.  To “wash” a culture, mix it thoroughly and discard all but about 1 cup.  Then fill the jar almost to the top with warm water while stirring vigorously.  Again discard all but about one cup.  Now feed ⅔ cup of flour and enough water to maintain the thick pancake batter consistency.  The first response is usually a marked reduction in activity as contamination is reduced.  Reduce the temperature to about 70^oF and continue feeding as above every 12 to 24 hours at this lower temperature.  When normal fermentation takes over, the layer of foam and bubbles will reach almost to the jar top 2-3 hours after the last feeding.  This may require 3 to 5 days.  The culture is then ready to use or refrigerate.  If the culture does not begin to revive in 2-5 days, the washing process may have to be repeated. 

I really hope this helps all of you that may be in that spot where you don't know where to go.  Don't forget that our website has a ton of information on the entire activation process of your culture.  Hope you enjoy your spring and happy baking!!!!