What am I pulling out when I strain my wort?

[TAK]

I strain my wort through a fine kitchen strainter to get as much debris from the hop pellets out as I can. After my first four batches, I can confidently say that when I'm straining I'm definitly pulling out more volume than the pellets I put in.

So, what is making up the stuff that I'm pulling out? Is this protein from the hot break? Or maybe fermentables that I should actually be leaving in?

 

[jaycount]

The hops will take up more volume once they are soaked with water. Also hot break and cold break will get strained out. It's been suggested that you don't want to pull break material because it is good for yeast health.

 

[TAK]

The hops will take up more volume once they are soaked with water. Also hot break and cold break will get strained out. It's been suggested that you don't want to pull break material because it is good for yeast health.

I figured I was pulling out the hot and cold break. It's gelatinous, yes? So, is it more important to get the hops out or to leave the break in?

 

[jaycount]

Thats your choice. I've been making my beers for some time now while using a hop bag in the boil. I just toss the hops in it and tie it up to the handle of my kettle. My last batch I tossed em straight in. I've done it both ways without any problems.

 

[Stauffbier]

You can strain your wort or you can dump it all in the fermentor without straining. It all settles in the end. The only real reason I like to get clear wort into the FV is because it make the yeast easier to wash. I do all grain, so I make 6 gallon batches. I leave the last .5 gallon of wort that contains the break material in the kettle when I rack over to my FV. This way I get very clear beer and a nice, clean yeast cake..

 

[Grinder12000]

I've done both strain and no strain and I see no difference. The only thing you have to worry about is leaving the wort sit on the crud for more the a few months. Otherwise. Strain if you feel more comfortable but it's not real necessary.

 

[TAK]

I suppose the proof is in the pudding. I won't strain my next batch and I'll see if I can tell the difference.

Even after I strained this last batch my sample had a bunch settle out shortly after. How much can this stuff throw off your OG reading?

 

[foltster]

Generally speaking non-dissolved solids wont affect your gravity readings.