Sourdough Starter Collapsed? Feed Before You Bake
By Bubba Goodcrumb · · 30 seconds
Bubbly, expanded, slightly domed: that’s your sourdough starter’s best baking window. A collapsed starter has passed peak rise. Feed it and watch its next rise before mixing your dough. If it repeatedly rises slowly after feeding, build strength with consistent feeds first. Liquid on top may be
Video transcript & original script
Original production script
From the original Bubba Goodcrumb post in Ori. This may include production directions and may differ from the final spoken wording.
HEADLINE: DON’T BAKE WITH A STARVING STARTER
RUNTIME: ~36 s · 91 spoken words
HOOK: For better bread, feed your starter before it collapses into exhaustion.
BEAT 1: Your best baking window is near peak rise. The starter should look domed, bubbly, and expanded, not sunken and watery. [on-screen: Bake near peak rise] [b-roll: Jar at peak with domed top]
BEAT 2: If it has a layer of liquid on top, it has been sitting hungry. Stir it in or pour it off, then feed. [on-screen: Liquid on top equals hungry] [b-roll: Showing hooch layer on starter]
BEAT 3: If your starter takes forever to rise after feeding, it may need a few strengthening feeds before baking. Consistency beats one huge feeding. [on-screen: Slow rise? Strengthen first] [b-roll: Feeding starter over two jars labeled Day 1 and Day 2]
CTA: Feed for strength first, then bake when your starter is lively, bubbly, and ready.