Typically when I make a batch of Ryedyn, I make a batch of Pumpkin Porter one to two weeks later and dump the porter on the yeast cake of the Ryedyn. Since this has worked well for me I don't really want to mess with that procedure. However since I have a mixed yeast strain this year (see Inadvertent Experiment post) I'd like to harvest some of it before I get to the Pumpkin Porter. So I may not dump directly on. Or I may scoop some of the trub and yeast from the bottom of my fermentor before putting the porter on top of it.
Either way I need some prepared jars for my yeast friends. I got out my canning pot, which was my very first brewing pot, back when I did it all on the stove in 5 gallon batches, and prepared 6 pint sized mason jars and 3 small jelly jars, which I think are 8 oz. jars. It looks like a lot of steps, but it really doesn't take too long to do.
Preparation steps:
- Clean jars and lids and rinse well.
- Fill each jar with water nearly to the top and put the lid on snug, but not tight.
- Put the jars in the canning pot and fill it with water to just below the lids of the jars.
- Regular pot can be used too, but the canning pot has a rack that makes removing the jars so much easier.
- Boil the whole thing for 5 minutes.
- This took for ever to reach a boil on the electric stove. I'll be breaking out the propane burner next time.
- Remove the jars from the water. Carefully!
- If you have a canning pot just lift the rack and hook it to the edge of the pot.
- Tighten the lids while they are still hot. Carefully!
- I used a couple of silicone pot holders to do this.
- Allow the jars to cool a bit before putting them in the fridge for future use.
- They will vacuum seal due to the contraction of the steam created in each jar during the boil.
Now after you rack off the beer, you are ready to harvest. I have a Yeast Harvesting Video which shows one method of harvesting yeast. This method is often called 'washing' the yeast.
Sláinte!
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