bonsaimonkeymom21
Member
I tend to make small batches, about a gallon or two, and I notice the yeast packet says up to 5 gallons, so whats the best way to figure out how much yeast I actually need?
how much yeast
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Bheher
Well-Known Member
Depends on your starting gravity and volume. Its tough to over pitch if you are not using a starter and just pitching with a packet or vial.
If you want to calculate it use this: http://www.mrmalty.com/calc/calc.html
If you want to calculate it use this: http://www.mrmalty.com/calc/calc.html
bonsaimonkeymom21
Member
So if I use more yeast than I really need will it hurt my wine?
Frank_The_Magic_Hobo
Member
Extra yeast can crowd the ferment. But basically the worst that happens is there will be extra lees and sediment from the surplus yeast. I think it would be hard to really add too much yeast, since once fermentation begins the yeast reproduce and increase in number anyways. Extra yeast just provides a larger starting amount. If you want a slow ferment, extra yeast could foul that up I suppose.
ChshreCat
Well-Known Member
I'd just pitch the whole packet. It's hard to overpitch, really.
Those packets are only about what? 5 grams? It's fine to use a whole package, just like the instructions say, for 1-6 gallons.
Winemaking is pretty forgiving, and I always use one package of yeast for a batch (as long as it's 6 gallons or under).
Winemaking is pretty forgiving, and I always use one package of yeast for a batch (as long as it's 6 gallons or under).
That calculator is awesome for beer, but ignore it for wine! It'll tell you for a 1.100 OG wine you'll need 10 packages of yeast!!! but of course it's not true.
Winemaking and beermaking really don't "translate" when it comes to yeast pitching. Totally different ballgame, in that respect.
bonsaimonkeymom21
Member
sweet thank you.
