Yeast recycling. Doing my bit for the environment

[Tony]

Hey folks!
Just for the hell of it (and because I've never done it before :shock: ) I've decided to keep some of the yeast from the primary to use on my next batch. Just an experiment really as it is only US-05 which doesn't break the bank.

Now I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that only a couple of hundred mls is enough for another 23 ltr batch and that I keep it in a sterilized jam-jar in the 'fridge with some clingfilm over it.

Is that right? I'm not taking any risks with it if it looks or smells dodgy - certainly not for the sake of a couple of quid. What should I look out for? Do I need to make up a starter of just allow to come to room temp and bung the little tykes in?

All help gratefully received! :

 

[craigite]

if you make up a two litre starter with 100g of dry malt extract, not only will it give the yeast a good start but it also acts as a check to bake sure the yeast is ok and no infections.
You could always only use half and store the rest for the next batch? Or maybe one step at a time eh.

I do this all the time cos I prefer brewers yeast, and this means a batch of yeast keeps me going for a year. :thumb:

you can always have a pack of yeast ready, just in case.

good luck.

 

[highwayman]

I'm watching with interest Tony as I may well do the same with US-05 taken from my SNPA and use it for the Xmas Forum Brew :whistle:
My concern is that I have crash cooled my yeast to 5 degrees and I will have used Gelatine on top as finings!! Perhaps one of our experts will answer both of our queries with this one

 

[Tony]

Thanks Neil, will try to get some dme in time, but if not, any other suggestions?

hwm .. yes indeed... I'm going to start planning the next beer now

 

[craigite]

Tony

I use a starter as Ive read the it is too much of a shock for the small amount of yeast to be pitched into five gallon.

Other options for a started evade me, thats why I use dme. Suppose you could make a mini brew.

Could you freeze some wort from a brew and use it as a starter for next brew.
Never thought of that before, think I might try. :wha:
I'll boil and cool as usual then draw 1litre off for the next starter and freeze. Then when I need it Ill bring it back up to the boil with a little extra water to get th OG to about 1.02 and simmer to sterizise, allow to cool and use as starter. :pray:
:hmm: Always worth a try.

I'm using the yeast I picked up from the brewery on Friday in the brew I did on Saturday. Looks like it doesn't like small batches, it going but not rampant. I'll many give it a few brews to see if it improves.

 

[Tony]

Thanks for the help once again!

Good luck with your yeast too! :

 

[unclepumble]

If you want to re-use on a regular basis, its best to skim some off on about day 3 of the brew, thats when its at its most viable, try to get hold of some zinc sulphate for when you re-pitch but only add about 1ml or you will be fermenting the carpet.

You shouldn't have too much trouble re-using for a few brews, you can pitch the slurry and a bit of reserved wort without too many problems, but if you want to use for a lot of brews learn to acid wash.

UP

 

[BarnsleyBrewer]

If you want to re-use on a regular basis, its best to skim some off on about day 3 of the brew, thats when its at its most viable, try to get hold of some zinc sulphate for when you re-pitch but only add about 1ml or you will be fermenting the carpet.

You shouldn't have too much trouble re-using for a few brews, you can pitch the slurry and a bit of reserved wort without too many problems, but if you want to use for a lot of brews learn to acid wash.

UP

I must av a dabble at acid washing, is it hard to get right?

 

[unclepumble]

If you want to re-use on a regular basis, its best to skim some off on about day 3 of the brew, thats when its at its most viable, try to get hold of some zinc sulphate for when you re-pitch but only add about 1ml or you will be fermenting the carpet.

You shouldn't have too much trouble re-using for a few brews, you can pitch the slurry and a bit of reserved wort without too many problems, but if you want to use for a lot of brews learn to acid wash.

UP

I must av a dabble at acid washing, is it hard to get right?

Evanvine or Aleman are the one's to speak to John, You would have found out plenty yesterday, there was a 1 hour lecture on yeast, but acid washing wasn't on it.

Temperature is key and also the level of acid used, you don't need much.

UP

 

[Aleman]

Evanvine or Aleman are the one's to speak to John, You would have found out plenty yesterday, there was a 1 hour lecture on yeast, but acid washing wasn't on it.

Temperature is key and also the level of acid used, you don't need much.

Do a search on here it's already been discussed :whistle:

 

[BarnsleyBrewer]

Evanvine or Aleman are the one's to speak to John, You would have found out plenty yesterday, there was a 1 hour lecture on yeast, but acid washing wasn't on it.

Temperature is key and also the level of acid used, you don't need much.

Do a search on here it's already been discussed :whistle:

Thanks Tony, that many bloody threads I forget where I've posted

 

[delboy]

Could you freeze some wort from a brew and use it as a starter for next brew.
Never thought of that before, think I might try. :wha:

I've being doing something similar lately, but without the freezing, i collect a litre or so of the wort in a conical, put some tinfoil over the top and once a day for three days heat it up until it looks like its just about starting to boil (the process is called Tyndallisation). After three days of this it can be kept at room temp for as long as you want.

 

[Moff]

Some mates of mine in the US would stick a litre (well, a quart in their case) of wort in the fridge before fermentation and add it back in prior to bottling to fuel the secondary fermentation.

 

[cwrw]

I don't know if I'm doing it all wrong but I've started to grow some yeast from a year old 500ml bottle of devil ale with only the inclusion of some pre-boiled sugar solution with common yeast nutrient.It seems to be doing ok and I'm going to build up to a litre over the next 2-3 days.Will this be ok for throwing into the wort (19L)?

 

[craigite]

When I harvest from a bottled conditioned bought beer I usually use a weakish DME starter. But if you have it going with sugar, go for it.
Two possible outcomes.
It works.
It does not.

If it smells ok and the wort is ready pitch it. Mayby make a small batch?

Good luck :thumb:

 

[cwrw]

I think I'm committed now .....I could use a bit of luck,Cheers :