How can a sourdough starter be 100 years old?

Question

I keep seeing sourdough starters all over socials. How can sourdough starters be many years old. Don’t you need to use the starter to make the bread? ELI5!

In: Other

Answer 1

I mean, it kinda can be but it’s really not.  It’s just for the artsy baker people to have bragging rights and win pissing contests.  I have a starter that’s 14 years old.  I have another one that’s a month old.  I couldn’t tell you the difference in the final product.  It’s just for people who need to find another way to be elitist and obnoxious.