US-05 image courtesy of MoreBeer’s Safale US-05 Offering

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series.  Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts! This is a Top Post! See: All Top Posts

I periodically brew small batches that require less that a full packet of dry yeast.  See: Small Batch, All Grain Stove Top Brewing + Water Calculation Spreadsheet.  For that matter, sometimes larger beers require a full packet plus.

To save money and reduce waste, I use my vacuum sealer to store partial packets of dried yeast.

Here’s the procedure I use…

• Determine the proper amount of yeast using a pitching rate calculator.  If you don’t have a pitching rate calculator, sign up for a free non-expiring Brewfather trial account.
• Prepare the proper amount of re-hydration water.  Generally, you’ll prepare 10 grams of water for every one gram of yeast needed, but consult manufacturer’s directions.
• Put the prepared rehydration water on an accurate gram scale – I use the AWS-100 from American Weigh [Hands on Review].  Make sure the scale has a “tare” feature or otherwise account for the weight of the container and water.
• Zero the scale out using the tare feature.
• Cut the yeast packet open and slowly pour the yeast into the rehydration water.  Careful, there’s no going back if you pour too much.  🙂
• When I get the amount of yeast I’m looking for, I immediately seal the yeast packet (if it’s a mylar type material) using the heat strip sealer on my vacuum sealer.
• I write the amount of remaining yeast on the packet using a Sharpie and then seal that in vacuum bag for additional protection.
• This is quick and easy, reduces waste and saves money.

Gear, Supplies and Related Resources

• Search Amazon for “digital gram scale”
• Amazon Best Sellers in Vacuum Sealers
• Safale US-05 via MoreBeer
• Safale S-04 (3 ct.11.5 g Packs) via Amazon
• Safale US-05 (3 ct.11.5 g Packs) via Amazon
• Dry Yeast at William’s Brewing – William’s carries a variety of manufacturers and strains including (as of this update) Safale, Lallemand, and Mangrove Jacks
• Label Peelers, generally, has free shipping on dry yeast, no minimum order amount, to addresses in the contiguous US.  Fermentis Yeast – Lallemand Yeast – Check Label Peelers for current availability
• Dry Yeast at William’s Brewing – William’s carries a variety of manufacturers and strains including (as of this update) Safale, Lallemand, and Mangrove Jacks
• Review: Hands On Review: American Weigh AWS-100 – 100g x 0.01g Digital Scale
• Review: Hands on Review: Brewfather App
• Review: Hands on Review: FoodSaver V2244 Vacuum Sealer
• Top Post: Saving Dry Yeast With a Vacuum Sealer!
• Related Categories: Yeast, FoodSaver, Vacuum Sealing

Related: Yeast: The Practical Guide to Beer Fermentation & Best Sellers in Lab Erlenmeyers – via Amazon | StirStarter Stir Plate | Yeast Starters and Fermentation Resource Page

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Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application.  Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application.  Always read and follow manufacturer directions.

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