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BrewIt · 02-01-2013, 04:25 PM

Im going to be brewing a full grain wheat ale. Im going to use Safale US-05. My first question is do I have to rehydrate the yeast or just pitch it dry. I know you could do both, but not sure what way is better. It seems people on here do both. If I do need to rehydrate how much water do I use for a packet of yeast? Also Im using BeerSmith to help me along the way. I know I need 42.8 billion yeast cells. I was wondering how to tell how many are in a packet? Basically do I need 1 or 2 packets? Want to make sure Im covering all the bases and this was the final one I had questions about. Thanks in advance to anyone who responds and helps.

Dave

WoodlandBrew · 02-01-2013, 04:32 PM

Recently I counted a package of US-05 and there were 150 billion viable cells. I have found that the number of viable cells is dependant on how you re hydrate. I would recommend that after aerating your wort in an ale pail, sprinkle the yeast across the surface and seal it up and let it do its thing. You don't want to mix the yeast into the wort or water when hydrating.

Here are the results:
http://woodlandbrew.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-many-cells-are-in-package.html
(note that the package of US-05 in this post was not hydrated correctly)

More extensive details coming February 9th.

Also, how big is the batch? 40 billion cells isn't many.

**Revvy** · 02-01-2013, 04:36 PM

To hydrate or not is one of those questions that get's asked all the time, and there's a ton of opinions on both sides of the argument, and ultimately you'll just have to decide for yourself. Because there really is no right or agreed upon way.

Here's one of the hundreds of discussions on the topic

**RIC0** · 02-01-2013, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoodlandBrew

I counted a package of US-05 recently and there were 150 billion. I have found that the number of viable cells is dependant on how you re hydrate. i would recommend that after aerating your wort akin an ale pail sprinkle the yeast across the surface and seal it up and let it do its thing.
Here are the results:
http://woodlandbrew.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-many-cells-are-in-package.html

More extensive details coming February 9th.

I like reading your stuff woodland many thanks for your research.

So you dont think rehydrating at the temp recommended and then pitching once that temp has come down to within 10 deg of the wort is necessary?? That is how i usually pitch dry yeast and it works great and fast.

WoodlandBrew · 02-01-2013, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RIC0

I like reading your stuff woodland many thanks for your research.

So you dont think rehydrating at the temp recommended and then pitching once that temp has come down to within 10 deg of the wort is necessary?? That is how i usually pitch dry yeast and it works great and fast.

What you are doing sounds like a great way to do it. It is very kind to the yeast for a number of reasons. It's certainly good, but I don't know if I would say nessisary.

BrewIt · 02-01-2013, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoodlandBrew

Recently I counted a package of US-05 and there were 150 billion viable cells. I have found that the number of viable cells is dependant on how you re hydrate. I would recommend that after aerating your wort in an ale pail, sprinkle the yeast across the surface and seal it up and let it do its thing. You don't want to mix the yeast into the wort or water when hydrating.

Here are the results:
http://woodlandbrew.blogspot.com/2013/01/how-many-cells-are-in-package.html
(note that the package of US-05 in this post was not hydrated correctly)

More extensive details coming February 9th.

Also, how big is the batch? 40 billion cells isn't many.

Its a 5 gallon batch. Not sure why its so little, but that is what BeerSmith is telling me. This is the recipe Im using: http://www.brew365.com/beer_three_floyds_gumballhead.php

BrewIt · 02-01-2013, 06:00 PM

Is it possible to put in too much yeast, or will the extra just die off? Would it be wise to put in 2 packets just to be safe?

stpug · 02-01-2013, 06:15 PM

You should be close to 200 billion needed. IMO, 1 packet of US05 should be sufficient - sprinkled or rehydrated (I prefer rehydrated according to package instructions, but that's just me).

**jflongo** · 02-01-2013, 06:45 PM

I have ALWAYS just sprinkled the dry yeast on top. However, this last batch, i decided to re-hydrate it for kicks, and "to me" the fermentation seemed to kick off a little faster. Could be my imagination though

BrewIt · 02-01-2013, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stpug

You should be close to 200 billion needed. IMO, 1 packet of US05 should be sufficient - sprinkled or rehydrated (I prefer rehydrated according to package instructions, but that's just me).

How much water do you use when you rehydrate 1 packet?