Using DME for a starter

Share your experiences of using brewing yeast.
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guypettigrew
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Using DME for a starter

Post by guypettigrew » Sun Aug 05, 2018 2:35 pm

For some time now I've been using the 115g packs of DME sold by the Malt Miller to make up a litre of starter. They are really convenient because it means there's no messing around weighing out the horrid stuff from a bigger bag.

But I can't find them on his site any more. Can't really blame him, it must be a rotten job weighing the stuff out into tiny little bags!

If I buy a larger bag, say 500g, how do I deal with it? I'm guessing as soon as the bag's opened it'll soak up moisture from the air and it won't be possible to keep it without it turning into a brick. Am I right?

How do those of you who use DME for a starter manage it?

Thanks.

Guy

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Jim
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Re: Using DME for a starter

Post by Jim » Sun Aug 05, 2018 3:22 pm

I've kept it in those 'tupperware' type containers (still in the opened bag) for quite a while without a problem. Always boil it up before use though.
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guypettigrew
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Re: Using DME for a starter

Post by guypettigrew » Sun Aug 05, 2018 4:03 pm

That's easy enough to do. And it doesn't turn into a solid lump of stuff?

I was wondering about making up all of the 500g in a litre then using a portion of it each time I want to make a starter.

According to Graham Wheeler's Beer Engine the solution would have a gravity of 1.175. Hard to believe anything could grow in this!

Guy

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HTH1975
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Re: Using DME for a starter

Post by HTH1975 » Sun Aug 05, 2018 4:15 pm

I normally buy those 500g bags of Muntons DME. I use 100g at a time, then seal off the bag with a food clip. Haven’t had any problems with it turning hard or absorbing moisture.

I just make up 100g in 1L of water. Gets you a decent starter around 1035-1040 ‘ish.

guypettigrew
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Re: Using DME for a starter

Post by guypettigrew » Sun Aug 05, 2018 6:05 pm

Amazing, just found the 115g packs of DME from MM. The new MM site is good, but perhaps not quite good enough!

£1.60 a pack. I'm happy to pay extra for the convenience.

Guy

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alexlark
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Re: Using DME for a starter

Post by alexlark » Sun Aug 05, 2018 6:07 pm

Same here, 500g bag and seal with a bit of tape. 100g in 1L, gets the job done and no waste.

Fil
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Re: Using DME for a starter

Post by Fil » Wed Aug 08, 2018 1:36 am

click lock sandwich box this end,
as long as its used within 6 months its never been a problem, tho i have returned to a box of syrup when it got buried and forgotten,,
ist update for months n months..
Fermnting: not a lot..
Conditioning: nowt
Maturing: Challenger smash, and a kit lager
Drinking: dry one minikeg left in the store
Coming Soon Lots planned for the near future nowt for the immediate :(

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