Yeast nutrient.

[Kinleycat]

What exactly does it do, when/why would I use it, how much is required what are the benefits?
Bought some in Wilko yesterday but left it late for the TC I made so I'm wondering if I can use it in anything else.
Cheers :
KC :thumb:

 

[RobWalker]

it's a bit of hoo har in some brewing, certainly it's not required in beer, but cider it can benefit because it'll keep the yeast healthier during fermentation - meaning faster, cleaner fermentation. in mead, it's almost required, but cider isn't too poor in nutrients in the first place, and mixed cider from real fruit probably wouldn't need it.

you can use 1/2tsp marmite or 1tsp tomato paste as a sub, just pour a little boiling water over to ensure it's sanitary (especially if you dip your knife in the butter then the marmite like I do.) the taste won't translate over so don't worry.

 

[LeedsBrewer]

Whereas I would say that all beer kits should have yeast nutrient added to it. Follow instructions on the packaging. There usually aren't enough nutrients for the yeast in the wort in the kits. (this is not a problem for AG however) If the yeast don't have enough nutrients then they could get stressed resulting in stalled fermentations and off flavours.

It's not an essential but it is a highly recommended addition to Beer kits. As rob said TC's, WOW's (though i now use vitamin B1 tablets for my wines) etc... could all do with the nutrients... basically anything using fruit juices... oh and anything with honey in, meads, melomels, metheglins as they are famously low on nutrients.