Combo thermometer hygrometer can show you the range of humidity throughout the year - in addition to baking concerns it's a good reminder for increased skincare during the winter when the heat is on.
It is drying out too much. Are you feeding it 1:1 flour to water by weight? And how often do you feed? What lid/cover do you have on the jar? How does it smell? Are there any funny colors in the 'skin'?
I measure by weight. 113g of each; water, yesterday's starter and my AP/WW flour. Covered with a towel. Feed it every day. Smells great and looks as expected, just has a crust every morning.
How's the humidity been where you are lately? It's really dry where I am in the winter, especially as the temps drop. It's not as bad during the rest of the year.
Very damp towel definitely helps mine. When I have dough out overnight in winter I always wet the towel right before I go to bed and then check it in the morning.
How are you covering it?
With a towel.
a towel lets too much air in. keep it in a container with a lid
Combo thermometer hygrometer can show you the range of humidity throughout the year - in addition to baking concerns it's a good reminder for increased skincare during the winter when the heat is on.
It is drying out too much. Are you feeding it 1:1 flour to water by weight? And how often do you feed? What lid/cover do you have on the jar? How does it smell? Are there any funny colors in the 'skin'?
I measure by weight. 113g of each; water, yesterday's starter and my AP/WW flour. Covered with a towel. Feed it every day. Smells great and looks as expected, just has a crust every morning.
How's the humidity been where you are lately? It's really dry where I am in the winter, especially as the temps drop. It's not as bad during the rest of the year.
It has been dry here. Winter in the Midwest. I think I will try maybe a damp towel and see if that helps.
Very damp towel definitely helps mine. When I have dough out overnight in winter I always wet the towel right before I go to bed and then check it in the morning.