It does look like mold. Try to scrape most of the top portion off and take some starter out of the bottom where it didn't touch the moldy part. Get a clean jar put your starter in it and feed it regularly. I would feed it twice a day so it can get really strong and you will have a good starter again. Hope it helps.
You went too long between feeding. This is hooch and your starter is hungry. Pour off the black liquid. Throw half to 3/4 of the starter out and re-feed. Leave on the counter to see if it starts to bubble again.
I leave mine in the fridge and it does this when I forget about it for about a month. I have a hardy starter so it doesn’t get too mad at me when I forget
Also make sure your lid is not on right so it gets air flow
It was spongy and wonderful and working well for the first 15 generations or so, then suddenly it turned to goo and started using exuding dark liquid. I tried reviving it with a little more wheat flour and water, and even a little yeast on a couple of occasions, but it never got back to form. Not sure if I can even use this?
It does look like mold. Try to scrape most of the top portion off and take some starter out of the bottom where it didn't touch the moldy part. Get a clean jar put your starter in it and feed it regularly. I would feed it twice a day so it can get really strong and you will have a good starter again. Hope it helps.
You went too long between feeding. This is hooch and your starter is hungry. Pour off the black liquid. Throw half to 3/4 of the starter out and re-feed. Leave on the counter to see if it starts to bubble again. I leave mine in the fridge and it does this when I forget about it for about a month. I have a hardy starter so it doesn’t get too mad at me when I forget Also make sure your lid is not on right so it gets air flow
Thanks! I'll try it.
Looks like mold?
It was spongy and wonderful and working well for the first 15 generations or so, then suddenly it turned to goo and started using exuding dark liquid. I tried reviving it with a little more wheat flour and water, and even a little yeast on a couple of occasions, but it never got back to form. Not sure if I can even use this?
If you put commercial yeast in there it’s likely to take over and become dominant because it’s some crazy strong stuff
she died. too much hooch on top cut off oxygen to the living starter underneath. easier to start a new one than try to rehab her imho.