Foamy Wort

[Justin]

When i was making my second ever brew recently, I got a lot of foam when i filled my fermenter up to the 23L mark. Since i brew in my garage I use the garden hose to top up the water to 23L and this tends to churn the mix up a lot thus creating the foam.

My questions are:
1. Will this foam effect the quality or flavour of my brew?
2. Can i pour my yeast straight on top of this foam or should i wait until is dissipates? Stirring seems to lessen the foam
3. Should i be more careful when filling the fermenter, pour the water slower to prevent churn and foam?

Thanks for any help!

[Chris]

Hi Justin,

Welcome to the forum- and brewing.

The foam is no issue at this stage. The yeast initially uses up the oxygen whilst it increases it's numbers. It's only later (after a day or so) that oxygen becomes undesirable in beer.

So hose is good.

And just throw the yeast onto the foam. That's fine.

[Justin]

Thanks for the quick response Chris, much appreciated

[rwh]

My questions are:
1. Will this foam effect the quality or flavour of my brew?

No.

2. Can i pour my yeast straight on top of this foam or should i wait until is dissipates? Stirring seems to lessen the foam

Straight on top is fine. In fact putting the yeast on seems to pop all the bubbles.

3. Should i be more careful when filling the fermenter, pour the water slower to prevent churn and foam?

No, as Chris says, the oxygenation is a good thing for the yeast's early life cycle.

One thing to watch though is possible rubbery flavours from your hose. If you notice any, stop using it.