Starter

[thunder]

I saved a small portion(two tablespoons) of white labs cal ale yeast in a sterile jar in my frig.
My questtion is can i buildup the yeast population say over a couple of weeks
to have an ample starter for my next five gallon batch?

Thanks in advance

 

[Walker]

I would think this should be no problem.

 

[Soulrebel]

The volume of a "pitchable " white labs tube is not much more than 2 tabelspoonfuls. Put your 30mls of yeast in about 300ml of 1.040 wort and "Bobs your Uncle" It shouldn't take a couple weeks.

from the White labs site "Boil for 30 minutes, cool to room temperature. Pitch one vial, shake well and let sit for 1-2 days. Little to no activity will be seen in the starter, since this is a very small volume compared to the quantity of yeast pitched. The yeast in a starter may be done within a couple of hours. But a layer of yeast should be at the bottom after 1-2 days. "

 

[mordantly]

i built up a starter from non-visible ammount of yeast. but i have a stir plate so it happened faster. agitate often.