Storing and re-using washed yeast

[Chacmool]

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.

[Partridge9]

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 !

[irish_goat]

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.

[molc]

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.