Saving partial packets of dry yeast works just fine

[phug]

Ok, recently I pitched a partial packet of Notty that had been originally opened 8/24/2014. I folded it over and taped it closed and kept it in a ziploc in a freezer. Then around christmas I got a ziploc vaccuum seal bag and put in in there and put it back in the freezer. It was used again on 04/24/2015. In all instances it was pitched dry. I've now moved it to a vaccuum sealed mason jar in the freezer, since I find that the ziploc bags weren't always holding a good vaccuum.



So more than a year after first opening it, I pitched it and had happy yeast the next day. Here's a picture of it bubbling away. Dry pitched with one teaspoon yeast nutrient into apple juice, one gallon batch 1.8g of yeast.View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1447095025.634364.jpg

 

[TonyKZ1]

Wow, That's great, I'm glad it worked for you. I had a 1/2 package of S-05 yeast in the refrigerator that wasn't very old and pitched it into a 1G batch expecting it to take off and be active. It never woke up unfortunately.

 

[phug]

I think the difference there is likely fridge vs freezer. Also moisture infiltration has an effect

 

[ncbrewer]

I'd be concerned about contamination - the odds could catch up with you. (I admit I have a real phobia about infections.)

 

[phug]

I pour out directly from the pouch, nothing goes into the yeast packet. Because it's a dry media, it's very inhospitable to bacteria.

 

[slym2none]

I think the difference there is likely fridge vs freezer. Also moisture infiltration has an effect

I dunno, I had a 1/2 pack of Notty in the fridge for 2 months, stored just like above - folded once, taped down, and put in a zip-top bag. I used it, it was as fresh a newly-picked daisy.

 

[phug]

For two months I'm sure the fridge is fine after opening. For a year I don't think your yeast would be okay, but if someone wants to come back next November and say otherwise that would be cool

 

[slym2none]

I am having a "DUH" moment now. I didn't notice until now how in the OP the first date was 2014. Never even registered.

All apologies.

 

[phug]

No worries

 

[phug]

Just pitched half a pack of us-05 that was opened April 27th of this year, I'll let you know tomorrow if it took off

 

[phug]

First visible signs of fermentation this morning about 15 hrs post pitch.
View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1447352502.284332.jpg
Truly off to the races now at about 23 hrs post pitchView attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1447352545.456211.jpg

 

[ncbrewer]

I just checked the Danstar website for Nottingham. It states "Open packs must be re-closed, stored in dry conditions below 4 deg C, and used within 3 days". I'd say they're being ultra conservative.

 

[MXDXD]

I never, ever had any problems with partial packets. I tend to throw them after two batches regardless.

 

[phug]

pitched from a packet of s-04 originally opened 12/29/2014 today, I'll report back tomorrow

 

[RM-MN]

I just checked the Danstar website for Nottingham. It states "Open packs must be re-closed, stored in dry conditions below 4 deg C, and used within 3 days". I'd say they're being ultra conservative.

I'd say they are being ridiculously conservative. Nottingham cannot be too much different from bread yeast in its longevity if stored cool. I buy bags of bread yeast that are closed with a twist tie and put them in the refrigerator freezer where they remain until all of it is used up, perhaps a year from purchase date and it always makes the bread raise. I even transfer some of the yeast from the bag to a bottle that is stored in the refrigerator instead of the freezer and is opened multiple times without any problems.

 

[phug]

I agree. Dry yeast is pretty robust in the freezer. For instance, that pitch from yesterday is showing signs of fermentation now. View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1449147993.981913.jpg

Admittedly I did also underpitch, 2.7 grams in almost 11 litres of 1.043, which is about a 50% underpitch according to mister malty. But that's why I rehydrated, as you supposedly lose about 50% viability when you dry pitch, so I figured I was making back that 50%.

 

[phug]

Same fermentation, less than 22 hours post pitchView attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1449160096.969828.jpg

 

[stbob]

Sweet I was wondering about that, I wanted to make a few small one gallon experiments. Thanks

 

[phug]

Go for it and feel free to only use 1/5 packet per gallon and save the rest for later. Vacuum seal, then freeze

 

[skitter]

I only use half a packet for my 2.5g batches. I always fold over and ziploc them and place them in the fridge. Usually using them within a month though