Yeast Harvesting: A Novel Approach?

[CJBrewVT]

50 billion from what size jar?

 

[ParadoxGuitarist]

According to the WhiteLabs website, harvesting your own yeast is encouraged for approx 10 generations. After that the yeast starts to mutate/degenerate.
There should be less yeast fatigue with the method described here since the yeast isn't exposed to long periods of Alcohol and Carbon Dioxide So maybe double that if you never actually harvest from washing or get any infections?
You can read the source for yourself here: http://www.whitelabs.com/faq/beer-professional

 

[thenson801]

Back in Nov. 2012, @bierzwinski said "I brew two 12 gal batches at a time, therefore 4 carboys. Using this method, I have one left over to make more starters with."
How many more starters can you make from that one leftover? How many times can you repeat this process?
It's brilliant! I'm going to be brewing next week, so I'm definitely going to try this!!

 

[redshift76]

Anyone following this thread as it seems to relate?
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f163/cold-hard-truth-about-rinsing-yeast-boiled-water-451925/

 

[Gmull70]

Im just wondering do you think that the .5 liter extra starter that you make is equal to a vial of white labs?

 

[irishrover32]

is it ok to go straight into a 2.5L starter with one of them 1/2 pint jars or should you start lower and step up??

 

[cpa4ny]

Thanks Bru - I stay in Singapore and offerings by Wyeast and White Labs are sold by local LHBSs here for about USD 15 (yes, fifteen US dollars - no typos here). Your method really helps to keep the costs under control.

 

[tg123]

I have the same question about dry yeast. I was planning on doing this same method but then read this and wasn't sure how true it is. I guess it doesn't matter if it depletes the reserves as lumpher says as long as I make sure to aerate the wort enough right?
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f163/splitting-dry-yeast-410419/#post5186568

 

[bionut]

An even better alternative is using isotonic solution (water and salt) instead of plain water. In isotonic solution the yeast can the stored for years at room temperature.
NaCl solution can be bought from drug stores for cheap or you can make it at home with water and 0.9% table salt, so 9 grams of salt for every litre of water.

 

[bigken462]

Having followed the directions listed above using the sterile water from the second smaller jar and keeping this is the bottom of the fridge, would there be a safe guess as to how long this would be good for after the second washing?

 

[C Ryan Smith]

Question here. Could this technique be used for hard Cider?

 

[brewer12]

I've been doing this a while , but am i the only one who uses beer bottles rather than jars? they are so much more convienient

 

[Michel0922]

Hello, This is a great read. As I am fairly new to home brewing, I have a couple of questions : Would this be considered a "neutral" yeast ? Yeast might have explode (as there are many available now) since this was posted, how do you go about having or making a specialty beer yeast ? Or do you simply not worry about it.
Thanks