13,703
edits
Changes
→Catching
* Monitor for mold growth. If mold begins to grow on the growth media, scrape it out and continue on with the isolation process. This should be safe since isolating the yeast will separate it from any potential mycotoxins that developed during the initial catching. Do not consume any growth media that has had mold grow on it (see [[Mold]]). One suggested method is to remove any materials (fruit, leaves, etc.) that were used as an inoculant as soon as visible fermentation happens; this can help avoid mold growth by removing floating material <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1812527172108822/?comment_id=1812566615438211&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D Caroline Whallen Taggart on removing fruit to prevent mold. Milk The Funk Facebook group. 09/05/2017.]</ref>.
* In general, summer and spring are more successful times to catch wild yeast, however any time of year can be successful. Simply choose fruits or flowers that bloom/grow during that particular season. For example, in spring, flowers and fruit blossoms are a good source. In summer, wild summer fruit can be a good source (raspberries, strawberries, cherries, etc.). In the fall, apples and grapes can be a good source. In winter, juniper berries <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1683379841690223/?comment_id=1683799054981635&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D Milk The Funk thread on the best seasons for bioprospecting. 05/11/2017.]</ref>.
* A new study showed that wild yeast actually exists more so in leaf matter on the ground than it does on bark or fruit. See the [[Wild_Yeast_Isolation#Videos|"Where (Do) the Wild Yeast Roam" video by Bryan from Sui Generis blog]] below and the below studies. Unless isolating microbes, this method could be dangerous unless the starter medium pH is lowered to be under 4.5 and enough ethanol (vodka) is added to reach 3-5% ABVto kill potential pathogens. Purging the flask with CO2 might help prevent mold growth.
** [http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1758-2229.12446/full A systematic forest survey showing an association of Saccharomyces paradoxus with oak leaf litter.]
** [http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/mec.13120/abstract The interaction of Saccharomyces paradoxus with its natural competitors on oak bark.]