Yeast starter questions

[Redcrossx76]

2 batches into my career (both with dry yeast) and now I've got some liquid yeast (and I think my first starter.) Got a Belgian wheat kit from Midwest with the activator pack. I know it says I can pitch it right in but the kit sat for a couple days before the pack got put in the fridge. So I'm worried the yeast may be a bit beat up and a starter would be a good idea. Am I right? If so, how much liquid extract do I use for the starter? All the instructions I have found describe using DME and this kit only has liquid. Any help regarding these questions or other beginner yeast starter tips would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Shinglejohn]

First, the yeast culture you have is fine after a couple days at room. That being said, a starter is always better!!!!

When making a starter, dont use from your kit, just buy some Light dry extract to keep on the side for starters. Just boil some extract in some water for 5-10 min, cool to around 70-75, pitch yeast, and cover loosely.

there are alot of different advice people will give you on how much starter to make, all of them more than likely just as good as the next. It really depends on how big the beer is. I usually go with 1/2 cup extract in about 2-3 cups water. my beers usua;;y have OG's of about 1.065. I always have fermentation within 12 hours

I use half gallon jugs with an airlock, some use mason jars, so on and so forth. Just make sure your starter gets enough time to get going.

 

[flabyboy]

First, the yeast culture you have is fine after a couple days at room. That being said, a starter is always better!!!!

When making a starter, dont use from your kit, just buy some Light dry extract to keep on the side for starters. Just boil some extract in some water for 5-10 min, cool to around 70-75, pitch yeast, and cover loosely.

there are alot of different advice people will give you on how much starter to make, all of them more than likely just as good as the next. It really depends on how big the beer is. I usually go with 1/2 cup extract in about 2-3 cups water. my beers usua;;y have OG's of about 1.065. I always have fermentation within 12 hours

I use half gallon jugs with an airlock, some use mason jars, so on and so forth. Just make sure your starter gets enough time to get going.

But not too much time

 

[Shinglejohn]

Word.

 

[ReverseApacheMaster]

There is a thread on making yeast starters with pics. Very easy and very helpful.

If you don't have any DME outside of the kit -- and you probably don't -- you can still pitch the pack and it should be just fine.

 

[Redcrossx76]

Ok. Thanks. What I had read said to use the same stuff you were gonna brew with so the yeast would be used to it. I assumed that meant the EXACT same stuff. I guess a pale DME is generic enough that it can be used for most anything. 2 more questions. What is the thread with instructions and pictures? Would love to check it out. How long can the activate packs sit in a fridge and still be reasonably viable by themselves? Or still be reasonably viable to use in a starter? Thanks.