Couple fruit flies in my starter...

[DarkUncle]

You guys think I should toss this starter and start over for lack of a better word?

Was thinking I'd just strain the starter through a sanitized muslin bag but don't want to ruin a costly batch either. Have never gotten an infection in my beer and don't want to start now.

 

[day_trippr]

[...]Have never gotten an infection in my beer and don't want to start now.

Then dump it.

Acetobacter -> malt vinegar...

Cheers!

 

[BigPerm]

You guys think I should toss this starter and start over for lack of a better word?

Was thinking I'd just strain the starter through a sanitized muslin bag but don't want to ruin a costly batch either. Have never gotten an infection in my beer and don't want to start now.

Get rid of it. Not worth it.

 

[jekeane]

Dump : /

 

[JimRausch]

If you're not sure what day trippr is referring to, fruit flies are also known as 'vinegar flies'. They carry acetobacter bacteria which turns ethanol to acetic acid. ie. vinegar.
Ask yourself- do you really want 5 gallons of malt vinegar? I like a sprinkle on French fries, but 5G would last for centuries.................

 

[ScrewyBrewer]

I put some Balsamic vinegar in a bowl covered with plastic wrap and then poke holes through the plastic with a toothpick. The little buggers crawl in but they're too dumb to get out. I think the best way to avoid infections from fruit flies is to avoid fruit flies.

 

[DarkUncle]

Yep it will be dumped. Not risking wasting 15lbs of grain. Last time I simply put foil over my starter. Guess I'll stick with the foam stopper that comes with the vessel or use an airlock.

 

[CPM]

Ask yourself- do you really want 5 gallons of malt vinegar? I like a sprinkle on French fries, but 5G would last for centuries.

Somebody's gonna have to go back and get a ****load of potatoes!

(P.S. I think I just found my sig quote. )

 

[BradleyBrew]

I use foil for the last 4 years with no fruit flies... Just secure the foil with a tight rubber band.