Pitching the Yeast

[Verb77]

When preparing my home brew. What is the best way to prepare my yeast for pitching and how long before pitching should I do this?? :wha:

 

[evanvine]

A lot of members just pitch the yeast directly into the wort from the packet.
You can make a "yeast starter" from 50 -100gms of dried malt in 1/2 litre of water about 1 or 2 days before your brew.
You then at least know you've got an active yeast!

 

[Dunfie]

As long as the yeast is still within its "best before" then there is plently of viable yeast cells along with nutrients to allow it to get off without too much lag time by just sprinkling on top of your wort.

The other alternative is just to hydrate the yeast by mixing it with some boiled and crash cooled water (theoretically it should be distilled water). You can do this half an hour before pitching. This gently wakes the yeast up, brings it up to temperature and also allows you to give it a bloody good sniff to check it is fresh.

I used to do the latter but to be honest I now just to the former.

 

[richardagutteridge]

: I have found that either method is OK. but with kits I just follow the instructions

 

[jonewer]

I just sprinkle straight from the packet. Why?

Less faffing about with additional items that need sanitising = a lot less hassle and a possible source of infection eliminated.

KISS :thumb: