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(Theory)
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==Theory==
 
==Theory==
The recommended pitching rate for most ales is 0.75M-1M cells/(mL*P) and 1.5M-2M cells/(mL*P) for most lagers, where P is the degrees [[Plato]] of the wort. Given unlimited oxygen and nutrient supplies (think [[DAP]] and [[Stir Plate]]), a starter produces 10M-15M cells/(mL*P). Most brewers restrict the Plato of the starter to be 10P or less, citing yeast stress and off-flavors for more concentrated starters.
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The recommended pitching rate for most ales is 0.75M-1M cells per (mL*P) and 1.5M-2M cells per (mL*P) for most lagers, where P is the degrees [[Plato]] of the wort. Given unlimited oxygen and nutrient supplies (think [[DAP]] and [[Stir Plate]]), a starter produces 10M-15M cells/(mL*P). Most brewers restrict the Plato of the starter to be 10P or less, citing yeast stress and off-flavors for more concentrated starters.
  
 
For example, suppose I want to make a starter for 19L of ale at 12P. This requires 1M cells/(mL*P) * 19,000mL * 12P = 228G cells (228 billion). Since the typical [[White Labs]] vial and [[Wyeast]] Activator packet only provide 100G cells, it is in my best interest to make a starter. If the starter wort is 10P, then the volume of the starter should be 228G cells / (10M cells/(mL*P) * 10P ) = 2,228 mL.
 
For example, suppose I want to make a starter for 19L of ale at 12P. This requires 1M cells/(mL*P) * 19,000mL * 12P = 228G cells (228 billion). Since the typical [[White Labs]] vial and [[Wyeast]] Activator packet only provide 100G cells, it is in my best interest to make a starter. If the starter wort is 10P, then the volume of the starter should be 228G cells / (10M cells/(mL*P) * 10P ) = 2,228 mL.

Revision as of 15:15, 30 November 2012


With most liquid yeasts, the use of a starter is necessary in order to create a viable amount of pitchable yeast. Even yeasts marketed as directly pitchable can benefit from the creation of a starter. A starter reduces lag time, before fermentation commences, and can help prevent a stuck fermentation. A typical starter involves fermenting a vial or package of liquid yeast in a small amount of wort a few days before brewing. Dry yeasts typically do not require a starter. Making a starter with dry yeast can be detrimental to their performance because they may deplete their nutrient reserves before pitching.

Theory

The recommended pitching rate for most ales is 0.75M-1M cells per (mL*P) and 1.5M-2M cells per (mL*P) for most lagers, where P is the degrees Plato of the wort. Given unlimited oxygen and nutrient supplies (think DAP and Stir Plate), a starter produces 10M-15M cells/(mL*P). Most brewers restrict the Plato of the starter to be 10P or less, citing yeast stress and off-flavors for more concentrated starters.

For example, suppose I want to make a starter for 19L of ale at 12P. This requires 1M cells/(mL*P) * 19,000mL * 12P = 228G cells (228 billion). Since the typical White Labs vial and Wyeast Activator packet only provide 100G cells, it is in my best interest to make a starter. If the starter wort is 10P, then the volume of the starter should be 228G cells / (10M cells/(mL*P) * 10P ) = 2,228 mL.

Yeast Starter Procedure

Making a starter is relatively straightforward, far easier than brewing an entire batch of beer.

  • Allow yeast to come to room temperature. If it is a smack pack, smack it first.
  • Bring one pint of water to a boil in a two quart saucepan on the stove top.
  • Reduce the heat, add one half cup of Dry Malt Extract (DME) to the water, and mix it thoroughly.
  • Gently boil the wort for ten minutes.
  • Remove the saucepan from the stove top, and cool it to room temperature, ~75ºF (~24ºC).
  • Put the cool wort into an approximately half gallon (~2L) container.
  • Cover and aerate thoroughly.
  • Pour the contents of the yeast vial or smack pack into the container.
  • Shake to mix the yeast into the wort.
  • Cover the container with a piece of foil or a loose-fitting cap. Place on stir plate at this time if you have one.
  • There will be very little sign of activity, but the starter should be ready in one to three days.
  • You may step up the starter by adding additional wort over a period of days.
  • After you have brewed your full batch, you may either:
    • Shake the entire mixture again and pitch it into the wort

OR

  • Chill the mixture a few hours to a day before pitching to drop the yeast out of suspension
  • Decant off the top layer of liquid before pitching just the yeast into the wort

Yeast Starter Equipment

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