Yeast harvesting and protein from whirlfloc tablets

[cekramer]

I have recently started using whirlfloc tablets when I brew in order to clarify my beer. It has worked great so far but now when I go to harvest my yeast to use in future batches I have no way to separate the coagulated proteins that settle to the bottom of the fermenter and the yeast that I'm trying to harvest. It seems like the proteins are mixed in with the yeast and there is not a defined line between the yeast and protein like you usually find between the yeast and trub at the bottom. Does anyone have any advice for a good way to separate the yeast from the coagulated proteins? Thanks in advance!

 

[beergolf]

I just solve the problem by making a bigger starter than I need and then pour some off to save. That way there is not a lot of trub to deal with.

 

[cekramer]

Ok, that sounds good, thanks!

 

[beergolf]

Yeah I used to try to wash yeast from the fermenter. The problem was the trub/ hop debris. Also if you brewed a higher gravity beer then the yeast would be stressed. Harvesting from a starter can get you an almost unlimited source of yeast from a single pack.

If you have a strain you use a lot, then make a big starter and then divide it up into 5-6 smaller jars. Then when you need yeast, just make a starter and add one of those jars.

 

[WBCo]

That's what I do as well. Mason jars have worked well for storing for me.

 

[cekramer]

Yeah, I've been using those the last couple times I've harvested yeast. Using the half gallon ones makes washing the yeast pretty easy as well.

 

[cekramer]

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1458908412.535267.jpgThis is a batch of yeast that I'm harvesting and washing from a previous batch (this is the San Diego Super Yeast). I used a whirlfloc tablet in the last brew. Is the thick lighter layer at the top the sedimented protein from the whirlfloc tablet that I should decant off or is that yeast that is still sedimenting out? I washed this batch of yeast last night and it has been in the fridge all night to give it a chance to settle. I have never used the San Diego super yeast before so I really don't know what to expect and I don't want to throw out good yeast.

 

[shtoive87]

Looks like yeast to me

 

[cekramer]

So the lighter layer is the yeast and the darker lower layer is the trub?

 

[WrQth]

So the lighter layer is the yeast and the darker lower layer is the trub?

Yes

 

[cekramer]

Sounds good. Thanks.