Most homebrewers have a ton of gear. Some of these things get frequent use and are worth every penny while others sit aside and gather dust. Some things get replaced with the new and improved versions of gear we already have. Then there are some things that are just staples of the brewhouse that everyone should own. I propose that the humble Mason jar is one of those staples. It's versatile, simple, and best of all, cheap for what it provides your home brewery. Let's have a look at the many homebrewing uses for Mason jars!
Tag: pressure canner
Making Multiple Yeast Starters in a Pressure Canner
Liquid yeast is awesome for one primary reason - variety. This variety enables you to choose a yeast that helps you achieve the precise flavor profile you're targeting. It gives you flexibility in esters, attenuation, alcohol tolerance, fermenting temp ranges, and more. However, if you're using liquid yeast, you're almost certainly going to need a starter and starters can be a pain in the ass to make on a one-at-a-time basis. That's why I, and many other people, create multiple starters at once by pressure canning them. If you aren't familiar with pressure canning, it may sound daunting but it really isn't. You just need to understand the key components of the process. So let's get to it!
Making a Frozen Stock Yeast Bank
Keeping your own yeast bank is surprisingly easy and quick to do if you have the right equipment. By having one, you'll save money, keep your favorite yeasts in stock, have a supply of rare yeasts, and you'll be able to help out your brewing friends in a pinch. Read this Homebrew Note to learn the details of how to Make a Frozen Stock Yeast Bank.