yeast starter duration

how long does your average starter take to see noticeable activity? How long until pitchable?

Overnight with a Stirplate.

I've only done about 3 starters so far, but normally I make mine up on Friday night, and pitch after brewing on Sunday. I just try to keep the yeast in suspension and pitch everything. It's worked pretty good so far.

I've got a 1/2 gal starter I did Monday for this weekend. I usually make a starter on Wends for a Sunday brewday. Ironically, I may be sticking this one in the fridge for another time and just get a vial to pitch on Saturday since I changed my mind and decided to brew an Irish red. I figure I have just enough time for it to be ready for St Paddy's day.

I feel like a cheerleader rooting my yeast on to reproduce. I guess the more I watch the less they will want to...

homebrewer_99 said:

Overnight with a Stirplate.

Click to expand...

yep. Ill usually make the starter in the evening, and then will see definite signs in the morning.

The time it takes a starter to show signs of activity is related to the amount of yeast you add and the volume of your starter. Thus, for example, I make a starter from the large Wyeast smack packs sand add it to about 2 1/2 cups of sterile wort. That is, I think, about 25 billion cells into this volume. I see activity in about 12 hours. I often make my starters on Thursday night for Saturday brew.

Dr Malt