Hello, this a first time post, I am maintaining a great starter, it is a natural, water and flour starter, kept in fridge and used and added to weekly. The starter reacts very well to feeding, it grows quickly and overflows its container regularily. The problem is, it has a bland flavour and not a strong scent. Any ideas on how I can enhance the flavour of the starter?
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There are two steps that I've found to lively up a starter.
The first is to keep it at room temp and refresh as needed. This might take three feedings a day that would also mean discarding at least 1/2-2/3 of the build each time you refresh the starter.
A slower and simpler way would be to use a small amount of rye flour, 5-10%, each time you refresh. If you're in the northern hemisphere and have a cellar that's cool due to winter time temps, keep your starter there and watch its growth and refresh as needed.
Thanks, I will try the rye flour and see if it gets more flavour
I'd add that it is best to use whole-grain rye, preferably organic - not the refined light grey stuff. I've found that 30% of quality rye in a starter + 70% unbleached white flour is a great combo for a starter.
Cheers
Ross
good to know, thank you and I will try it