Page 43 - Robeson Living Winter 2020

were trying to isolate is how you make your starter unique. As ticle.) There is also more information about the different proj-
with all experiments, sometimes there are some hiccups. For ects, data results, scientists, videos, etc., on the web pages
example, they learned that sending the bakers home with bags listed below, as well as additional activities for youth to do
of white flour (to see if the same flour from one place would based around this project. So think about turning your kitchen
make a difference in the starters around the country) was not into a science lab and the wonderful results of having a great
looked on highly by customs officials. sourdough starter in your home.

So now, all of these experiments over the last few years have To learn more about the Wild Sourdough Project, you can go to
led to a really neat middle school science project that NC State http://robdunnlab.com/sourdough2/. To learn more about the
University (who has been part of the Wild Sourdough Project) ongoing student experiment, and perhaps take part, go to http://
is rolling out statewide. It is called Sourdough for Science, studentsdiscover.org/lesson/sourdough-for-science/. For more
and it fits with middle school standards of study but is a fun information, contact Shea Ann DeJarnette, Extension 4-H
and educational science project for kids of all ages (yes, even Youth Development Agent with North Carolina Cooperative
adults who are kids at heart). Plus, if you just want to make Extension, Robeson County Center, at 671-3276, or by E-mail
your own sourdough starter, this is a great way to learn how to at [email protected].
do that, and also learn how to trouble shoot it.
NC State University and N.C. A&T State University are col-
All it takes to be a citizen scientist for this project is: lectively committed to positive action to secure equal opportu-
• Flour (any kind except coconut flour) nity and prohibit discrimination and harassment regardless of
• Dechlorinated water (water from a filter system, bot- age, color, disability, family and marital status, gender identity,
tled water, or tap water left out overnight) genetic information, national origin, political beliefs, race, re-
• Wide mouth mason jar (half pint or pint should do) ligion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and vet-
• Paper or cloth napkin eran status. NC State, N.C. A&T, U.S. Department of Agricul-
• Rubber Band ture, and local governments cooperating.
• Something to stir with
• Ruler ABOUT N.C. COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
• Sharpie or Tape for marking the jar N.C. Cooperative Extension is a strategic partnership of NC
State Extension, The Cooperative Extension Program at N.C.
Add equal parts of flour and water to the jar (they recommend A&T State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s
starting with 2 tablespoons of each.) Mix until it is kind of a National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA), and
thick paste. So, this is where the data starts. Using the ruler, local governments statewide. Extension professionals in all
measure the height of the mixture in the jar and the radius of 100 counties and with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
the jar and write it down (this is data). Then smell the mixture connect millions of North Carolinians with research-based in-
and write down what you smell: is it doughy, flowery, buttery, formation and technology from NC State and N.C. A&T. Edu-
rotten, has no smell? Cover the jar with the napkin and use the cational programs specialize in agriculture, food and nutri-
rubber band to secure it in place. You want to place your starter tion, 4-H youth development, community development, and the
in a warm area, but not in direct sunlight (we are trying to grow environment.
microbes, and if it gets too hot, that could cook your starter).

Wait 24 hours, then it is time to feed your starter again. If you
are conducting the science experiment, don’t forget to observe
and record the smell and any visual differences (like if it sepa-
rated and there is a layer of liquid) and measure it. Before you
feed it, make sure to stir your starter. To feed your starter, take
one tablespoon of the mixture out and either throw it away or
start a discard jar and cook with it when you have enough.
Usually, you would cover and store this jar in the refrigerator
to slow the microbe growth. Add one tablespoon water and one
tablespoon of the same flour into the original jar. Mix, cover,
and return to the same location. Each day for the next 15 days
you will repeat the observation, data recording, and feeding
process.

Youth then have the opportunity to upload their data to a link
on the student page (the link is included at the end of the ar-