Help...frozen pediococcus

[Common763]

Received my order today and pediococcus was frozen solid... It is melting now but am concerned since I need to pitch into secondary on Saturday. Should I have concerns or should it be OK? I know this yeast doesn't show physical signs of activity... The company is sending me another one but that will prob be frozen too. Sticking w local going forward. This is annoying.

 

[WayFrae]

I don't know if that bacteria is as sensitive to freezing as yeast is. It isn't really the supplier's fault that it froze in transit, just a time of the year issue. I can see why you are frustrated though.

 

[Common763]

Understand... But does anyone know if pediococcus can freeze and still be good? Since I am fermenting for a year don't want to take a chance...it appears pedi doesn't show any physical signs other than milky appearance. I am not doing a starter though due to time constraint. Any info much appreciated... Am pitching on Saturday.

 

[1977Brewer]

Pitch if. Bacteria don't die when you freeze them, they just stop breeding.

 

[trentm]

Understand... But does anyone know if pediococcus can freeze and still be good? Since I am fermenting for a year don't want to take a chance...it appears pedi doesn't show any physical signs other than milky appearance. I am not doing a starter though due to time constraint. Any info much appreciated... Am pitching on Saturday.

I am not really sure what shape your bacteria is in but when freezing bacteria for storage, in a lab setting, we use glycerin just like freezing yeast. So I would assume freeze damage can occur. If you set on brewing go ahead and pitch the bacteria. If you don't get souring in an appropriate time period, you can always pitch more.