My sourdough starter just gave up on me after 8 years

I mean, it happened last Tuesday. I went to feed it like always, and it just smelled... off. Not the good, tangy smell, but kind of flat and sad. I kept it going through a cross country move and everything. I tried a few feedings with different flour, but no bubbles at all. It's wild how something you keep alive for that long can just quit. Has anyone had luck reviving a starter that's basically gone dormant?

3 comments

3 Comments

wesley1818d ago

My buddy's starter went quiet for almost a month once. He put a spoonful of it in a jar with some pineapple juice and whole wheat flour, of all things. It perked right back up after a few days.

patricia5588d ago

Eight years is a good run... maybe it just retired. Mine tapped out after three, and honestly, I took it as a sign to stop buying fancy flour.

the_max7d ago

Honestly, don't give up on it yet. That thing's a survivor if it lasted eight years. I've brought back some sad looking starters by just feeding them with rye flour and warm water for a few days straight. What @wesley181 said about pineapple juice is legit too, the acidity can really wake it up. Sometimes they just get tired and need a little extra care, you know? Tossing it after a week of no activity is one thing, but I'd fight for an eight year old starter.