I've just washed yeast for the first time and have a couple of jars sitting in the fridge. Just a couple of questions:
How long is it good to store?
When I want to pitch it what do I need to do with the stored yeast?
Any help much appreciated.
Its great for about a month but after 3 months chuck it.
Some tell tale signs of it being bad are -
a thin dry skin grows on the surface - this is bateria - chuck it.
Oh - a tip -
Grow your next 1 litre starter a week in advance of your next batch, this kinda starts the clock again if you know what I mean.
If you want to store yeast for 3 months and beyond - you need to investigate slants - but thats a different conversation !
I've started throwing old yeast into the boil to act as a free source of nutrients. Just fill a vial or two after each brew and bung them in the freezer, no need to sanitise or anything either.
I've started washing my yeast for my last few brews and it's been ok upto the 3 month mark at least. I always make a 1 litre starter though, so I can see if the yeast reactivates or if there any strange reactions before I pitch. If the starter doesn't catch, just means I need to buy some new yeast.