That is pretty fast for a sourdough starter. What recipe did you use? If it had yeast in the recipe, then yes, you can make bread with the starter or refrigerate it. What does the recipe say to do with the starter?

The starter recipe did use yeast and it said after 3 days you could make bread, but that seems a little fast to me.

A starter that captures wild yeast from the air takes much longer to multiply than one that uses commercial yeast. So I would go ahead and use the starter to make bread or refrigerate it to use later according to the recipe.
Teresa

Can sour dough starter be frozen? At what stage? gengen

Yes, it can be frozen - but you don't want to freeze all of your starter. Freeze just enough, 1/4 to 1/2 cup, to provide you a back-up in case something happens to your larger container of starter.

To freeze: take starter out of refrigerator, bring up to room temp (about 1-2 hours), feed with equal portions of flour and water, let it sit and multiply for at least 2 hours or more, then take out 1/4 to 1/2 cup, put it in a small container or freezer bag, seal, label and date, put in freezer.

To revive frozen starter: thaw completely in refrigerator, let sit out to come up to room temp, feed with 1 TB flour and 1 TB water, let work for 2-4 hours, feed with 2 TB flour and 2 TB water, let work for 2-4 hours, feed again with 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup water, let work for 2-4 hours. Now you should have enough starter to use in your recipe, if not, feed with 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup water and let work for 2-4 hours at room temp.

You don't want to dump a whole cup of flour and one of water on a small amount of starter. You want to gradually build up the amount. Always let the starter work (bubble and expand) at room temp. Store the starter after feeding and making bread in the refrigerator.

I threw out the starter because I read that a true sour dough starter uses no yeast. The article stated that you would not get the sour taste that sour dough has, if yeast is used in the starter.I would be so grateful if anyone has a starter recipe that they would be willing to share.

cjlpn,
I will send you some dried starter if you will contact me by email - go to My Page beside my forum name and send me an email with your mailing address. I will dry some starter for you and send it with directions and recipes.

Teresa

Thanks so much. I would love to have some starter. i'll email right away.