A brief background on brewers yeast
Ales use top-fermenting yeast strains that typically ferment between 65-75F and lagers use bottom-fermenting yeast strains that typically ferment from 50-55F. Pitching temperature should always be 80F or under because yeast will die if exposed to temperatures over 110F. Too high of a fermentation temperature can also result in a variety of off-flavors or higher alcohols (fusel alcohols). Yeast fermentation time will vary depending on strain, temperature, and fermentation environment, however most fermentations should be complete within 7-14 days.
Life Cycle of Brewers Yeast:
1. Respiration – Also known as lag time. In this stage, the yeast is reproducing to reach critical mass, which then leads to the second stage, fermentation. You want to minimize the time the yeast spends in this stage because you want the yeast to start alcohol fermentation as soon as possible to prevent invasion and spoilage from bacteria or wild yeasts. This is why proper sanitation and pitching healthy brewers yeast or a yeast starter is essential.
2. Fermentation – In this stage, the yeast is actively consuming the sugars in the wort, turning them into CO2 and alcohol.
3. Sedimentation – The yeast enter this stage once the sugar level starts to drop. The yeast drop out of solution and become dormant, flocculating (dropping out) to the bottom of your fermenter or bottle forming sediment. Again, the yeast go dormant, they do not die. If additional sugars are added the yeast will go full-throttle again.
Fermentation of Yeast tidbits:
Always make sure to use fresh brewers yeast, be cognizant of the dates on the yeast package or packet.
Always make sure to pick the right brewers yeast for the job.
Always make sure to rehydrate your yeast before pitching if using dry yeast.
**I recommend making a yeast starter if using liquid yeast, whether or not the yeast is marketed as “pitchable.”**
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