Maintaining a sourdough starter like Ophelia requires understanding its needs and behavior. To keep your starter active, ensure you're feeding it regular intervals with flour and water. The best flour to use is usually whole grain, which offers essential nutrients. As it ferments, look for bubbles and a rise in volume, indicating it's strong and healthy. When you're ready to bake, ensure your starter is at its peak activity, usually a few hours after feeding when it's bubbling. If you plan to take a break from baking, store your starter in the refrigerator and feed it weekly to keep it viable. Knowing how to tell when it's time to feed or use your starter is crucial. If your starter develops a layer of liquid on top, known as 'hooch', it’s a sign that it’s hungry. Pour that off before the next feeding. Experiment with different recipes to fully showcase your starter's capabilities, from classic sourdough loaves to pancakes or waffles. This versatility makes a healthy starter an exciting addition to your baking repertoire.