Yeast nutrient in starter

[GirlsBrewItBetter]

Hey guys, question: I have Brewcraft Yeast Nutrient and I was wondering if it's best to put it in with my starter and let it sit with the yeast, or to wait and add it to the beer just before I pitch? Thanks!

 

[Keith81]

I use Wyeast yeast nutrient so I'm not familiar with the dosage of that brand but I put a small pinch in starters and then dose the batch to the instructions also.

 

[GirlsBrewItBetter]

I use Wyeast yeast nutrient so I'm not familiar with the dosage of that brand but I put a small pinch in starters and then dose the batch to the instructions also.

Thanks!

 

[Gnomebrewer]

If I'm making a starter, I put all the nutrient in the starter (none in the main batch).

 

[RPh_Guy]

Brewcraft Yeast Nutrient appears to be only DAP, so you should not a full batch amount of it to a starter because high DAP concentration is toxic to yeast. Arguably DAP is not a good nutrient for use in beer, and it's not a good choice for use in wine or anything else by itself since yeast also need other vitamins and minerals.

I use Fermaid O in starters; it doesn't contain anything potentially toxic to yeast in high concentration, unlike other nutrients.
I also add Wyeast yeast nutrient directly to the fermenter.

 

[Robert65]

The only nutrient that might absolutely be needed in beer is zinc, but, as with DAP, a batch-sized dose in a starter would be toxic to yeast. (With most things needed by most living things -- think salt and humans -- concentration makes all the difference between essential and lethal.) Wyeast nutrient does include some zinc, as do some others, but most products labeled "yeast nutrient" at LHBS are DAP or other sources of nitrogen, and intended for wine, cider, and mead. If you use nutrients, first find out what they are so you'll know if they are optimal or even appropriate for beer. Then, follow the instructions. The manufacturers provide recommended dosages for both starters and batches.


(BTW I also use Fermaid O in starters, as well as zinc sulfate, and in the main batch, only zinc sulfate, to provide 100-200 parts per billion elemental zinc in wort. In a starter, that means an incredibly small amount)

 

[Gnomebrewer]

Brewcraft Yeast Nutrient appears to be only DAP, so you should not a full batch amount of it to a starter because high DAP concentration is toxic to yeast. Arguably DAP is not a good nutrient for use in beer, and it's not a good choice for use in wine or anything else by itself since yeast also need other vitamins and minerals.

I use Fermaid O in starters; it doesn't contain anything potentially toxic to yeast in high concentration, unlike other nutrients.
I also add Wyeast yeast nutrient directly to the fermenter.

Good point - I didn't look at what was in Brewcraft yeast nutrient. I use Fermaid K which doesn't seem to be toxic and gives a great start to my ferments. It does have some DAP, but I don't think there's as much as in most store-blend nutrients. I don't add nutrients to the main batch - a good, healthy starter seems to get the job done.