"Ray" > wrote in message ...
> Occasionally I order a new culture from SDI, and I always get a packet of
> dried culture measuring around a third of a cup. The instructions tell me to
> mix all of this with flour and water, in a quart jar.
>
> Wouldn't I get the same result if I just used a teaspoon of dry culture?
>
> Then I could save the rest for future use. Mainly I just don't want quart
> jars clutteirng my refrigerator.
>

I did that once, and it did not work. So I did it again with what was left,
with no better results. I emailed SDI and was told by Mrs. Wood that it
was necessary to use the entire amount. No replacement was offered.
I had not followed instructions.

Another time I used the whole amount, but it did not produce a starter. That
time there was no replacement because she could not find the record of my
purchase.

I also got some from Carl Griffith, who was still alive at that time. If
you have that, and use approximately correct proportions, you get a lively
starter, even if the dried original has been stored* for months, or even a
year or more, in the freezer. I have started with as little as 1/4 tsp. of
dry start.

*well-sealed