Storing starter wort

[MFigz]

I need a 4l starter for my next 10 gallon batch, so I was planning on making a starter, decanting and adding fresh starter wort back in to get the yeast cells that I need.

Is there any reason that I couldn't make a couple gallons of starter wort (enough for my next batch of beer as well as this one) and keep them in a sanitized growler in my refrigerator until I am ready for them?

Thanks
Mike

 

[Vale71]

Botulism.

 

[Moose_MI]

Ive never tried it and never heard of others trying it but that doesn’t mean it cant/hasn’t been done.

My concern would be long term (days/weeks) storage of starter wort in a growler remaining free of wild things.

I have heard of people using a canning process to save starter wort. This is the canning process like you would use for long term preservation of meat/vegetables. Boiling the jars of starter wort to sterilize and seal the jar.

Maybe a 5L flask would be a good investment. I do 15G batches and that’s what i use to avoid stepping up starters.

Good luck and cheers!

 

[MFigz]

I may eventually get a 5l flask but they are definitely not cheap. I've seen posts about canning as well, but I don't have any of the supplies for that either so I got to thinking... If I sanitize a couple growlers really well and add the wort to it, I don't see how nasties could get in once it's sealed. I just don't know if unfermented wort has a shelf life so to speak while sitting in the refrigerator.

Thanks!
Mike

 

[Vale71]

Nasties are already in the wort, they don't need to get in while in storage. Some bacteria create spores and you can kill those off only with higher temperatures, such as you would only get in an autoclave or a pressure canner. What you're thinking of doing is really dangerous and should be avoided.

 

[catdaddy66]

I have been doing this for a few years now... Add a bit to my sparge volume so I then collect 2-3 qts of second runnings. This is saved in sanitized jars and used over the next 4-8 weeks for starter wort.

It gets saved as unboiled wort but gets a 15 minute boil (then cooled) before adding the yeast. I typically step it up in 24 hours and pitch between 36-48 hours from the beginning of the process.

No issues so far and have only opened one jar with mold growing on the surface.

 

[brewer2]

Get yourself a 5L flask and grow the amount you need in 1 step. I do it every batch to avoid paying for 3 packs of yeast.

 

[Derp]

I've heard of people freezing starter wort to get around the need to can it. Never tried it myself.

 

[Moose_MI]

I may eventually get a 5l flask but they are definitely not cheap. I've seen posts about canning as well, but I don't have any of the supplies for that either so I got to thinking... If I sanitize a couple growlers really well and add the wort to it, I don't see how nasties could get in once it's sealed. I just don't know if unfermented wort has a shelf life so to speak while sitting in the refrigerator.

Thanks!
Mike

I say try it and report back..I’m rooting for you!

If I were to try this I would feel compelled to boil the wort when you go to use it in starter...I’m not sure if that was your intention but I’m just saying. Of course if you have to boil the stored wort then you’re not saving much time/effort vs just making a starter. <sigh>

I really hope it works for you....please let us know