Timbo

[telecom]

Can I used a yeast starter (DME) on dried yeast?

 

[VikeMan]

Yes, you can. But first, decide if you need to. Most dry yeast packs come with more cells than a Wyeast or White Labs package of liquid yeast. And dry yeast is also generally cheaper, so if you need even more cells, it can make sense to pitch 2 packs of dry yeast rather than making a starter (DME and energy cost, and time).

 

[RM-MN]

It's been reported that by making a starter with dry yeast you may end up with fewer cells than you started with. For a long time manufacturers recommended rehydrating the dry yeast before pitching. Now they are saying not to bother. Personall I have tried rehydrating, sprinkle on top, and pouring the yeast into the bottom of the fermenter before pouring the wort onto it. They all make beer.

 

[VikeMan]

It's been reported that by making a starter with dry yeast you may end up with fewer cells than you started with.

If that's true, how can dry yeast multiply in a main batch of beer? Do you have a source for this?