YEAST NUTRIENT: What even is it?! [Home Brewing Basics]

[@TheBruSho]

Do you use em? Which ones do you use and what’s your strategy?

[@Liquor_and_Drugs]

Hello!! So my question is can I use liquid yeast to ferment a wine? The reason why I’m asking is because both me and my significant other are currently making wines, but throughout the fermenting process a lot of our wines have tasted like jet fuel, and we do add yeast to it and metabisulfate and potassium to it but it doesn’t fix the flavor as to more ruin the flavor of the wine we are trying to make in this case it’s apple and we’ve had a lot of bad luck with it

[@TheBruSho]

@@Liquor_and_Drugs yes you can. Beer yeast gives its own distinct characteristics but definitely worth a shot. They also don’t ferment as much sugars so you will end up with a sweeter wine if that’s ok

[@kennethhathaway3090]

@@Liquor_and_Drugs While fermenting a grain and sugar mash to make alcohol I had the idea to run my grain mash through an ultrasound to decrease particle size to make the grain mash more bioavailable to the yeast. The results were incredible. I am wondering if you can also try this on a grain mash and measure the results between the ultrasound mash and a control. I did a very short clip showing my bubbler and fermentation bucket. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rp3EeK2VaNJ-nrc After this I tried a sugar wash through the ultrasound unit but it did not seem to increase the rate at all. Probably because the dissolved sugar was already at it's smallest size. It did seem to point to the fact that the yeast did better with the smaller particle grain mash than it did with the sugar wash. I really would like to see someone do more testing and research on this as it could have a huge impact in several fields like fuel and space travel. That and I like the idea of giving back to the yeast something it likes for its centuries of service to humankind. #Yeast lives matter. I would love a reply with your thoughts. Been working on soil and foliar fertilizers and making them more bioavailable to the plant microbiology and cell wall penetration. #Nano Nano

[@HOMEBREW4LIFE]

Really great video braj. My brain is like a ps2 memory card (i only have so much storage). I forgot about all this stuff, so thank you for updating me. Cheers!

[@TheBruSho]

Hahah I feel you on that. I make these videos so I don’t forget

[@slaprakshas]

An inexpensive alternative mix: Recipe Size - 5 gallon 1. 2x Vitamin B Complex Tabs. Crushed 2. 1 TBS of boiled and cooled bakers Yeast in water (yes boil the yeast for 3 minutes) 3. 1/4 cup of boiled black raisins 4. 1 Tea Spoon Epsom salt(MgSO4) Tip: For the boiled ingredients I just toss them into wort at 15 minutes. No need to separately boil them.

[@TheBruSho]

That’s a great home recipe, love it!

[@slaprakshas]

@@TheBruSho Thank you sirs... awesome video as always from you guus! ❤

[@farissa6961]

Per gallon?

[@farissa6961]

@slaprakshas per gallon?

[@slaprakshas]

Please read number 4 as teaspoon. I already edited my original reply.

[@melpomenean]

Something worth noting is that yeast can't metabolize DAP if the ABV is at 9%, which for beer will probably not be as common of an issue, but for wine and mead can def be something to remember if the fermentation is stuck

[@TheBruSho]

That’s good to know, I wasn’t aware of that thank you!

[@crabmansteve6844]

Learned this the hard way when I was a baby brewer.

[@kuldeepbhardwaj295]

Hello everyone I’m new in the game. In India it’s hard to find food grade DAP as yeast nutrient. So my question is, can I use fertiliser grade DAP(easily available in India) to boost fermentation process, is it safe to use fertiliser grade DAP? Help me with that 🙏 or gimme some alternatives of DAP

[@AM2PMReviews]

Do they ever use TOSNA for beer? Or would that possibly introduce oxygen? Maybe little dry hop bags for little additions for a few days?

[@afhostie]

If one yeast nutrient is just dead yeast hulls, is there a way to save those from previous fermentations?

[@joakimnilsson2245]

Never used nutrients and i still get 80% attenuation on a 6 month old slurry of Voss.BUT,i can see the use for it in some brews

[@TheBruSho]

For sure, I don’t always use it either but there are definitely some applications that it helps

[@TroubleBrewing]

This video was really spot on, great overview. I use Wyeast nutrient. Also your right staggered is the best but im also WAYY to lazy for that. I made some mead which I staggered for but that's because (like you said) meads/wines need that extra help. Cheers! Also fun fact, Oxygen is also a yeast nutrient! Most people dont think of it that way though lol.

[@TheBruSho]

Great point about oxygen! Very vital for some beers. Unless your a LODO brewer ha

[@petyaur]

Kveik can benefit from it, too. Twice as much, half of it when you pitch yeast, other half somewhere between 24-48th hour, depending on temperature.

[@RadoGG]

I'm still new to beer making. The other day I brewed my 3rd batch so far, which will be Munich dunkel. This time I decided to put some DAP before pitching the yeast, and I was a little surprised that fermentation started in like 3-4 hours at 15°C 😀

[@alvaradobrewhouse6387]

Great breakdown Trent. This was like yeast nutrient for dummies and man, I needed this. Typically I just use a std yeast nutrient but I plan to start using DAP and Fermaid-O. Appreciate the knowledge drop....

[@TheBruSho]

Thanks TA! As long as your using something I think that’s great! I plan to get some fermaid k play with that more

[@iscariotpaladin5363]

I am looking into trying to get into mead making I saw somewhere someone talked about using reusing the yeast from one batch in another and using the dead yeast i think called lees as a nutrient. Was just wondering have you attempted that or what are your thoughts on it.

[@how-to-honcho]

I haven't used nutrients before for any of my ciders, without any issues. Both with store bought or fresh pressed juice. The fermentation gets started usually in 3-4 days pretty vigorously. It does take quite a long time to finish dry, but I think that is supposed to help the flavour. I'm curious how fermaid-O would change the taste and fermenting speed of cider

[@TheBruSho]

I would say in my experience using yeast nutrient in ciders gives me a cleaner and overall quicker fermentation. No issues drying out. I’d recommend giving it a try

[@how-to-honcho]

@@TheBruSho thanks! I'll try some fermaid O next time 🍻

[@TheApartmentBrewer]

Great topic that doesn't get discussed too much. Thanks for this video!! I've always just gone with the typical Fermax (basically Fermaid K) at the end of the boil.

[@TheBruSho]

Thanks yeah I learned a lot myself researching for this. It is quite a rabbit hole but wanted to lay out the basics

[@danilospiga282]

I used 2,5g of DAP in my 21L batch just a few days ago... Put it at the beginning of the boil... Did I act wrong?? It's a porter with 1.050 OG...

[@TL50-r9f]

If your doing step fermentation would you incrementally over time add a part of the max dose of yeast nutrient, each time the next part of the fermentable sugar is added.

[@mwp4600]

You wouldn't have a link to a calculator, I can't seem to find one. Thanks

[@CB-bp2fl]

You said "DAP is toxic to yeast starters"? Can you do a video on this; or quotes a few resources to support this statement? As you can guess I been using DAP with yeast starters since 2004 without issues. Thanks your Subscriber.

[@TheBruSho]

Yeah at least that’s what I’ve read in my research but I also haven’t experimented with it to confirm or deny. But sounds like an experiment is in order!

[@TheBrendrum]

Do you add half of each type of yeast nutrient? Or do you just do the full dose of both types?

[@smntsn]

My beers always come out bad with dap.:/

[@seanhardesty9356]

I always add some DAP at the end of the boil to help the yeastie boys off to a quick start. There is Fermaid O in the house, but I always forget I have it.

[@TheBruSho]

TY I forgot to mention that adding in the boil is a great way to dissolve it

[@wfqsfg]

Yeast does not use nutrients for energy. Thats what sugar is for. The nutrients provide nitrogen which is necessary for protein so the yeast can reproduce.

[@TheBruSho]

That’s technically true thank you!

[@thehoppyhour6297]

9.99999k

[@TheBruSho]

Hahah so close!

[@tomknight2366]

Nice breakdown! I'm a go-ferm/fermaid-o fan in most non-beer ferments, wyyeast beer nutrient in almost all my beers, with some DAP always on hand for where appropriate, in practice mainly seltzers. Not that every ferment has acted exactly as I expected it to by any means, but so far never a stuck fermentation, significant sulfur or other poor yeast health issues. Buying it is cheap especially in bulk and it's just good insurance!

[@TheBruSho]

I’ll have to play with wyeast nutrient. Also omega has some nutrients as well. There’s lots to experiment with!

[@mustang12687]

Thanks for the video, very informative and useful like all your content. I just wanted to ask if you are aware of any yeast nutrients that should not be added to the end of the boil (which I see done in order to sanitize the nutrient). In other words, can the boil render any types of yeast nutrient useless? Thanks

[@TheBruSho]

I haven’t heard about that, but I guess I’d your concerned you could add it at flame out after boil has stopped but while it’s still hot. But again I’m not sure if it’s an issue

[@forgotten_hero_360]

Can we use Protein shake powder instead of yeast Nutrients please???

[@TheBruSho]

I’ve never heard of anyone doing that, not sure. I would use dead yeast instead

[@michaelcooney7687]

I can n kilo, I use supplied can yeast to boil, cool add and nutrient to make a starter. I did this once after seeing a video on how efficient it was and how with the multiplying effect of the yeast, I could use only 1sachet of dried yeast and culture it up to the flaming flambé… Apparently not, luckily three days later after going to my LHBS I got 3 backup yeast packs and kickstarted her back into life. If this “theory” is actually effective can you comment where I may have gone wrong…. Thanks

[@paskrell]

I don’t brew a lot of beers where it’s ‘needed’. I’m a 5% guy. I always use a basic yeast nutrient. Half a teaspoon boiling 15 min and generous yeast amount. Never had a stuck fermentation in almost 50 batches. It’s my ‘insurance policy’.

[@MikeP350]

I've never used yeast nutrients for beer. It is a must for wine, ciders or meads. Barley, hops and treated water typically provide plenty of nutrition for the yeast in your typical beer gravity range. At least that's what I've heard from Charlie Bamforth and John Palmer.

[@TheBruSho]

That’s pretty much true. Although I usually recommend to use some with high adjunct beers. But I think you’ll be ok with not using it for beer

[@foxtonstreet]

Yep I've never once used it. Unnecessary.

[@viajeroomarco]

which is the best moment to add this nutrient? It would be repercussion if I add them in the last minutes to concluid the boiling process in order to sterilize the nutrients?

[@Beerjunkieguy]

Nice breakdown. I use Yeast Nutrient and a good dose of oxygen and rarely run into any fermentation problems.

[@TheBruSho]

Key combos right there!

[@joshbarr6390]

I use fermax. I saw in a video( can remember which anymore) that you need more yeast nutrient with lower gravity beers since the yeast will have less sugars to consume. Any thoughts on this?

[@CarlPapa88]

As I'm ~20min from getting my DAP out of the fridge to add into my 1st starter. Thanks for the info.

[@milanfixer]

Adding yeast nutrients became necessary in commercial fermentations because water purification, ozonation and disinfection process removes most of them from natural water. If you use well water, most of those substances can be found and no nutrients are needed (although you may want to boil well water before using it). Natural water, although very rich in mineral content, may contain heavy metals and pathogens - so water treatment is a must. Luckily, yeast nutrients are cheap and available almost everywhere so that's not a problem. Some manufacturers put a bit of yeast nutrient in the packet itself. Some people (myself included) have a particularly hard drinking water (which is rich in minerals) and never REALLY need to use nutrients. I just use them to speed up the process. If you don't believe me, try to brew any alcoholic beverage using cheap bottled water (most of which is completely deionized) and pure yeast (no nutrients added). You won't be able to get the fermentation to start. Your yeast will not be active, because sugar alone won't be enough.

[@TheBruSho]

Great points, thank you!!

[@jcinsaniac]

Just use DAP, but need to up my game with fermaid o as my go to styles of beer are 1.050 and up. Like you said - these are cheap insurance. Great info!

[@bryansnyder9971]

What's the difference between using yeast nutrients and adding more yeast (another packet) a few days after your initial pitch?

[@TheBruSho]

I’ve never done a side by side comparison but for what I gather some nutrients are just dead yeast hulls. And pitching more yeast I don’t think will achieve the same effect. Again I haven’t experimented with this tho

[@Handles-R-Lame]

My guess is that you'll get a drink that taste alot like yeast instead, if you ever had a homemade bread that used too much yeast in its making, it probably tastes very similar to that..

[@sta39cee]

My sugar wash has been fermenting for 8 days...can I add a yeast nutrient at this time, or is it too late?

[@PartyTimeBrewing]

I've been wanting to get a bunch of fermaid-o. All I can seem to get my hand on is DAP. If only there was a place online to buy them... ok, I've just been lazy, but I want to get some of the good shizz for the adjunct heavy brews. Cheers!

[@TheBruSho]

Hahah good ole internet!

[@davidrandall7708]

What kind of a nutrient do you recommend for hundred per molasses wash for rum

[@calp1989]

How is turbo yeast made? is it just yeast + yeast nutrients?

[@TheBruSho]

Not sure how it's made but it's mainly for just making alcohol, not really for refined flavors. I think used a lot in the distilling world where alcohol content is what they are after.

[@DFDSArt]

Here in Germany Nutritions are really expensive compared to the US… ;(

[@TheBruSho]

That unfortunate, I am working on finding some DIY/cheaper options, so stay tuned!

[@charleschapman2428]

@@TheBruSho Thanks for the video, I'll be keeping an eye out for your DYI options. I just checked my old bag of nutrients LDC and it was $2.25 for 8 oz or 28 cents an oz, I don't know how old the bag is but I see it today floating around a dollar an ounce.

[@bradcraddick3074]

As a beginner who started into home brewing through you, Trey. I have done one brew without yeast nutrients and it was a complete failure on my hard kombucha. But after the package came in for DAP and fermaid o, I’ve never looked back. Thanks. Would like to see what you use for cider clarity and maybe even dry mead mixes.

[@dennisschickling2249]

Nice Video. Great information. Thanks. I've heard that Raisins are good Is nutrients. (?) What's your input? #STAYSAFE #PHILLYPHILLY 🇺🇸 HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

[@TheBruSho]

I’ve heard they are not actually good nutrient substitutes. They really add raisin flavor. Doin the Most has done a few videos on raisins as nutrients. Have a great thanksgiving!

[@GoranSvettlund]

can I use a chunk of bread yeast as yeast nutrients? boiled?

[@jesselee9019]

used a north mountain nutrient, late fermentation on a beer. 3 tsp for 5 gal, I ask the manufacturer if it was safe but no answer. So I'm asking people with vids or articles that are good. It was a accident was juggling to many brews at once. Trying to figure out if I should let it ride or dump. Thank you for your time.

[@TheBruSho]

Let it ride and taste it. Don’t think that would cause any issues by itself

[@scoobtoober2975]

I've heard many different things. Some say never if it's less than 1.070. I always use it. Bigger than 1.070 i add two doses. 1/2 teaspoon of wyeast or general nutrient mix. not just DAP. or yeast hulls. Fermaid k would be an equivalent Also note fermaid 0 is not for non-adjunct beer. It is for meads, wines or cider. I emailed them and they said K is more for beer. Or skip it and don't worry about it. But pitch big yeast amounts or just don't skimp. Yeast has dead yeast as well which is a nutrient in it self.

[@slicktmi]

you think a sugar wash under 1.070 doesn't need nutrients? I've always wondered i get good ferments at the start without nutes but get to concerned to slow it down if i skip on them at 1/3 depletion

[@scoobtoober2975]

@@slicktmi For beer brewing, my recommendation is no nutrients needed. But over that, definitely. Sugar wash needs to for sure in the beginning. Little now, little during ferment.

[@TheAlchemistsBrewery]

What I want you to cover in a future video: Trappist Ales :D

[@TheBruSho]

Would love to brew more Trappist ales!

[@TheAlchemistsBrewery]

I've won a silver medal with my Tripel. I've made a mistake with it and put in crystal malt. I will deffinitely not make that mistake again. It will be all pilsner malt from now on... It's a very hard style to make. It will probably take me ten batches to finely tune the recipe, or a few years.

[@Authenticallyher1]

I’m making cranapple wine is the goal. I have an 1.090 SG no fermentation. 3 gallons total should I add yeast nutrient. I used yeast energizer at the beginning. Can I add more?

[@TheBruSho]

I say use yeast nutrient if you have some. And sure you can add it later as well that’s sometimes referred to as staggered nutrient additions and people say it’s even better than front loading the nutrients

[@AverageTacticalGamer]

So you know any nutrient that advertises completly gluten free with no chance of contamination? I think fermax says it is, but most sellers repack and can't gurantee no contamination. I want to be able to legally and safely say my cider is gluten free.

[@TheBruSho]

Oh man I’m not sure about that I’ll have to do some research. My mother in law in GF so I would love to know for her sake

[@showbiz939]

Is di-ammonium hydrogen phosphate the same as di-ammonium phosphate. Is the former safe/effective?

[@TheBruSho]

I believe those are technically the same. Just different ways of saying it. But do some research to confirm this. But if a home brew store is selling the former then your probably good

[@marcmiddleton2277]

What's the link for the calculator?

[@adamwhat84]

I always throw 3 grams or so of fermaid k with my whirlflock tablet, and immersion chiller in with about 10min to go, 5 or 6 grams on a kveik beer.

[@TheBruSho]

Nice yeah I think kveik benefits from an extra kick

[@chris415-a]

thanks, answered all my questions.

[@brianbarker2670]

I only brew beer and use yeast nutrient for a liquid yeast starter in the boil of the DME. Don't know if this the right time to use the yeast nutrient or the boiling will degrade it. Noticed in one of your other vids you said there is yeast nutrient in dry yeast.

[@TheBruSho]

That’s a great way to use it. Often starters need a kick of nutrient to get off to a great start

[@1861313]

I have springferm. But I always forget to add it at the end of the boil. :/ So we can say I dont use any.

[@TheBruSho]

Hahah at least you have it if you do remember some day

[@PatrickSandy78]

Throw some bread yeast in the start of the boil. Easy nutrients and something I always have around.

[@TheBruSho]

Wow great idea! Thank you!

[@paulvinwebster]

How much per gallon ?

[@PatrickSandy78]

About 1/2 teaspoon per gallon. Throw it in the last 15 minutes of the boil.

[@sameeramansour9062]

ماهي العناصر الغذائيه؟

[@coleman180]

Is it harmful to use these nutrients with urea. Just put some in the a batch but I’m having second thoughts.

[@TheBruSho]

No at the Homebrew scale you shouldn’t have any concerns. But if you want to avoid it in the future go for one of the Fermaid products, they work great

[@TheShacksDevon]

I do use nutrient but watching your video I would say that I don’t use enough. Another useful video, thanks.

[@TheBruSho]

Hey some is better than none! Thanks for watching

[@eliasplattner8270]

Just found this channel im also brewing beer at home ur channel looks very interesting i will check it out!

[@TheBruSho]

Thanks glad you found me!

[@iamthenra1968]

I have always used Wyesast nutrient just because that is what my kits used when I first started brewing 10 years ago... is yeast nutrient different for wine yeast? I just brewed up a batch of hard cider and when I transferred it, it was carbonated or maybe still fermenting???? All I know is there were a ton of bubbles when I was transferring... but the airlock stopped for over a week... and the final gravity was 1.004 so I assumed it was done... Now when I open up those bottles I have to do it very slowly otherwise it's like a volcano pouring out of the bottle. I am trying to ferment out some wine now with a Red Star yeast but I didn't use any yeast nutrient, but I did pitch 2 packets initially since the gravity was so very high like 1.109... Not sure if you can use Wyeast nutrient for all yeast?

[@TheBruSho]

Yeah I think wyeast is a nutrient blend and any type of fermentation would benefit from it

[@iamthenra1968]

@@TheBruSho Happy Thanksgiving Trent!

[@JusBrewing]

I usually make starters with Omega's proper starter canned wort. I haven't needed yeast nutrient since I made the switch but it boy was the nutrient my go to before that!

[@TheBruSho]

I’ve never used those canned worts but always been curious. Might have to give it a go soon!

[@JusBrewing]

@@TheBruSho WORT a shot! Am I right?

[@Outrunninaround.]

What nutrients do you recommend for cider using red star blanc?

[@TheBruSho]

Been loving Fermaid K recently!

[@DavidHeathHomebrew]

Nicely done Trent 🍻🍻🍻

[@TheBruSho]

Thank you David, cheers!

[@matiasd5216]

Hi Trent. Good video. Is there something I can use at home to replace any of those industrial yeast nutrients? Where I live, it gets difficult to go to the bewshop.

[@TheBruSho]

Some people say you can make your own by using old dead yeast. If you have another fermentation that is done you can try saving a bit of that yeast to use. Although I have no experience trying this so can’t say how it will work.

[@matiasd5216]

@@TheBruSho thanks. I've donde some decent starters, some undecent starters, and even pitched a couple of yeast straight from the package. But I never used any kind of "yeast nutrient" until now. Among other reasons, because I try to by the least ingredients possible and I try to make them myself if I can. I really enjoy your vids.

[@Natedavis4444]

Should I create a starter and add a yeast nutrient? Or just one or the other?

[@TheBruSho]

Depends on the grain bill and OG. Refer to a yeast pitch calc to determine if you need a starter. And if it’s a light grain bill or a super high OG then add in some nutrient

[@theghostofsw6276]

What's your opinion on adding YN to a cider that is taking forever to ferment to dryness? I would like to add some YN to a cider that's pretty much, or should be complete, just for insurance, BUT I'm worried that the DAP (containing food grade urea) might produce off flavours. Anyone have experience with this? Thanks.

[@TheBruSho]

I almost always use yeast nutrient with cider. Helps (in my opinion) for a cleaner and finer finished product

[@theghostofsw6276]

@@TheBruSho Thanks for the reply. My question though was more about whether the nutrient was gonna leave an after taste if I use it in an "almost finished" cider, or beer? I'd like to ensure the yeast has finished its job. What would the nutrient do if the yeast can't use it all? I have DAP w/ urea. Thanks.

[@TheBruSho]

@@theghostofsw6276 it shouldn’t leave a taste but nutrient is better for start of ferment not for end. It won’t help it ferment more. You just have to wait for it to finish up. But you could experiment with adding it

[@theghostofsw6276]

@@TheBruSho Well...I guess I'll take another gravity reading, and if I like what I see then I'll just be patient, and give it more time, if not then I'll give some nutrient. It's still working....just slow. Thanks again!

[@ElementaryBrewingCo]

I use all of those at different times. Yeast nutrient for beer during the boil and DAP and Fermaid O for ciders and such. Great info Trent!

[@TheBruSho]

I used to never use them and once I did I never looked back. Thanks Brian!

[@onuvuti.1]

isn't dap a fertilizer ? @@TheBruSho

[@stephenhegarty6032]

Can you add too much fermaid o to a wine fermentation?

[@TheBruSho]

I guess you could. Not sure if it would have devastating results other than just wasting money tho.

[@atubeviewer4942]

How do you store the unused yeast nutrient?

[@TheBruSho]

I just store in a mason jar. Not sure how long it will last but I've had some for a year with no real negative issues

[@rachelmalin8851]

Another awesome & super informative video!

[@TheBruSho]

Thank you!

[@gustag]

great informative video!

[@TheBruSho]

Thank you! 🍻

[@trevgoldie]

👑

[@TheBruSho]

💪

[@scotscottscottt]

You should probably address the possibility of fusel and carcinogen production. Many new home brewers have no idea that there could be legit dangers using some products.

[@TheBruSho]

There are very little legit dangers to homebrewing. You’re more likely to burn yourself than anything

[@bradleymorgan8223]

I had a sugar wash that petered out after 2 or 3 days.. i used about 1/3 cup of tomato paste in 2 gallons and it's going again, vigorous as ever!

[@TheBruSho]

Wow super interesting, I haven't heard of that one, thanks for sharing!

[@Unsub-Me-Now]

I use it in every batch. Most of the times I am sure the beer would be fine without it but it does give some peace of mind.

[@TheBruSho]

Yeah I feel you on that one!