My sourdough starter straight up died on me last Tuesday

I've had the same starter, named 'Bubbles', for about three years now. I feed it every day, same routine, same flour mix. Last Tuesday morning I went to feed it and it was just... gray. No bubbles, a weird sweet smell, and a layer of liquid on top. I panicked. I tried to revive a small piece with fresh flour and warm water, but after 24 hours it was clear it was gone. I think the problem was my kitchen got too cold overnight when the heat kicked off, maybe down to 60 degrees. It must have just stalled and then something bad took over. I'm starting from scratch with some rye flour today, but man, losing a starter you've had that long feels like losing a pet. Has anyone else had a starter just give up like that from a temperature drop?

2 comments

2 Comments

clark.iris8d ago

My old starter, Fred, lasted five years before a power outage got him. That gray color is the worst. Starting over with rye is a good call, it always kicks off faster for me.

tessa_kelly8d ago

Ever think a starter was bulletproof? Mine died from a cold draft last winter, changed my tune.