I have read across the board recently about people wanting to save money. Quite frankly who doesn't? Not only do I want to save some bucks here and there, I think the ways to save will improve my technique, and understanding of things.
I've now already started this saving by (for now) saving my DME containers to get $3 off per extract kit from the LHBS. The guy that works there told me if I brought them back, he'd subtract the cost of the container out of the kit price. That's sweet, how hard is it for me to rinse and sanitize that container to use again....not at all.
So now that brings me to this whole yeast cake, washing yeast, etc technique that I'm very curious about. I've searched a lot, even read the wiki, and still have some questions. I know there are a bunch of you guys who do this, so help me out here with some clarification. Please and thank you!
Here we go:
Washing Yeast - So I have my 'British Pale Ale' in the primary right now. I have to dry hop it tomorrow, and check out its SG. Probably saturday night, or sunday, I'll rack the BPA into its secondary. When I do that, I will have some of that wonderful trub at the bottom of said primary. So what I'll do is add about a half gallon of clean, filtered, and cool water, aggitate the hell out of it, and pour into a clean, sanitized container and let separate. After that, on the BOTTOM of that container, I'll have junk, but what I want is on the TOP? I take that, and transfer the good stuff on top into yet another clean, sanitized container with clean, cool, and filtered water, aggitate the heck out of that and let it seperate. Repeat last step, and let that container sit for a few days to have the yeast fall to the bottom.
Then what? pour off a little water, aggitate, and divide solution of yeast and water equally into seperate sanitized vessels?
Is that only good for putting in the fridge? What if I want to freeze these bad boys? Someone used something as an additive that began with a G before freezing.
Do I need a starter either way, pulling yeast from fridge or freezer?
Starters are another area I have to look into, but if I take yeast strain 123abc, and wash it, the next time I need to use strain 123abc, I can take one of my washed vessels, use a starter a few days before hand, and not have to spend anther $7 on yeast 123abc.....right?
Thanks guys and gals, and if someone wants to interject some humor or sarcasm, feel free, it's one of those days, and I could use a laugh or two with some excellent information!
~G
I've now already started this saving by (for now) saving my DME containers to get $3 off per extract kit from the LHBS. The guy that works there told me if I brought them back, he'd subtract the cost of the container out of the kit price. That's sweet, how hard is it for me to rinse and sanitize that container to use again....not at all.
So now that brings me to this whole yeast cake, washing yeast, etc technique that I'm very curious about. I've searched a lot, even read the wiki, and still have some questions. I know there are a bunch of you guys who do this, so help me out here with some clarification. Please and thank you!
Here we go:
Washing Yeast - So I have my 'British Pale Ale' in the primary right now. I have to dry hop it tomorrow, and check out its SG. Probably saturday night, or sunday, I'll rack the BPA into its secondary. When I do that, I will have some of that wonderful trub at the bottom of said primary. So what I'll do is add about a half gallon of clean, filtered, and cool water, aggitate the hell out of it, and pour into a clean, sanitized container and let separate. After that, on the BOTTOM of that container, I'll have junk, but what I want is on the TOP? I take that, and transfer the good stuff on top into yet another clean, sanitized container with clean, cool, and filtered water, aggitate the heck out of that and let it seperate. Repeat last step, and let that container sit for a few days to have the yeast fall to the bottom.
Then what? pour off a little water, aggitate, and divide solution of yeast and water equally into seperate sanitized vessels?
Is that only good for putting in the fridge? What if I want to freeze these bad boys? Someone used something as an additive that began with a G before freezing.
Do I need a starter either way, pulling yeast from fridge or freezer?
Starters are another area I have to look into, but if I take yeast strain 123abc, and wash it, the next time I need to use strain 123abc, I can take one of my washed vessels, use a starter a few days before hand, and not have to spend anther $7 on yeast 123abc.....right?
Thanks guys and gals, and if someone wants to interject some humor or sarcasm, feel free, it's one of those days, and I could use a laugh or two with some excellent information!
~G