Sourdough Starter Exploded: Understanding the Science, History, and Prevention
A sourdough starter is a fermented dough made from flour and water, used as a leavening agent in baking bread. When the starter is active, it contains a population of beneficial bacteria and yeasts that produce lactic acid and carbon dioxide, giving sourdough bread its characteristic sour flavor and chewy texture. An exploded sourdough starter occurs when excessive pressure builds up inside the starter container, causing it to burst open.