Sourdough starter "storage" for 31/2 weeks...

[ramyankee]

We are heading out on a 3 1/2 week trip and I was wondering what to do with my starter. I keep it in the fridge and may bread every week and a half. By that time it tends to crust up. I can only imagine the crust after almost a month... I store it in the King Arthur plastic Sourdough bowls, covered but not sealed...
What should I do?
Thank you...

[warrantyblues]

You can also freeze some in a plastic bag. Will keep up to a year. Just let it thaw and feed it they way you normally do and leave at room temp until it becomes active again.

[swtgran]

Feed it, wait a couple hours, stir, spread very, vey thinly, on a piece of parchment paper, allow to dry completely, pick up shards of dried sour dough, put them in a container and close the lid, put on shelf, revive it when you are ready.

[ramyankee]

From looking at a couple of the posts some seem to be having their container lids sealed. I had heard that there had to be air flow.
Just curious...

[Corky12]

I've kept mine in the refrigerator in a glass pint jar about 3/4 full with the lid on for long periods of time. When ready to use I just pour off the accumulated liquid, add equal parts flour and potato water, and it's good to go.

[2oldman]

When I used to do sourdough I had a ceramic container with a very tight lid that clipped on. Try that.

[ramyankee]

The sourdough containers I use do have lids but I just set them on.I guess I should snap them on a small bit so there will be some air flow.

[2oldman]

Google: sourdough starter crust over

[ramyankee]

Naio wrote:
I think it will be fine as long as you have plenty of room for it to expand :).

But will that crust that forms be bad for the starter?
And there is lots of room for expansion...

[2oldman]

ramyankee wrote:
No, probably not enough room in the 5th Wheel fridge...

Yikes. I encourage the SO to pack as if there will be grocery stores along the way. I do not like having to remove 5 things to get at something in the back.

That's my rant!

[Naio]

I think it will be fine as long as you have plenty of room for it to expand :).

[ramyankee]

No, probably not enough room in the 5th Wheel fridge...

[2oldman]

Not taking it with you?