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Fruit flies in yeast starter

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chemman14

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I am pretty sure I know the answer to this but I figured I would ask anyway. I discovered 2 fruit flies floating in the second step of my starter today before putting it in the fridge. I plan on brewing tomorrow but I am now questioning that. Should I abandon the brew and buy another yeast
 
chemman14 said:
I am pretty sure I know the answer to this but I figured I would ask anyway. I discovered 2 fruit flies floating in the second step of my starter today before putting it in the fridge. I plan on brewing tomorrow but I am now questioning that. Should I abandon the brew and buy another yeast

It's best to scrap it and get a fresh pitch. If you are really set on brewing tomorrow use a dry yeast or buy enough liquid vials to make up the cell count. Fruit flys harbor bacteria and wild yeast. There are no if ands or buts about it. You can take the shortcut and pitch it and it might turn out ok... but if you want to strive to make the best beer possible you should obtain a fresh pitch.
 
I got one fruit fly in a fermenter. The batch went sour in two weeks. The bucket was ruined. They are notorious acetobacter sources.
 
Went ahead and made another starter. I will just have to pitch the whole thing. I dont like doing that but I have no other option at this time
 
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