My sourdough starter turned into a science experiment gone wrong

I tried reviving my old starter from the back of the fridge last Tuesday, feeding it with 50 grams of rye flour. After two days, it didn't bubble but instead grew this weird pink film on top. I panicked and threw the whole jar in the trash outside. Has anyone else had a starter go bad like that, and is it always a total loss?

3 comments

3 Comments

maxpatel23d ago

Check if that pink film was actually harmless kahm yeast.

the_wesley23d ago

But what if it's not harmless at all?

reesemoore15d ago

Reminds me of a batch of pickles I made last year. Had that same weird film. @the_wesley is right to ask. Turned out my jar wasn't fully clean. Everything smelled fine but I tossed it anyway. Just didn't seem worth the risk.