So my yeast nutrient went bad?

[ryan0914]

So i opened my bag of yeast nutrient and it had a VERY strong ammonia smell. so it obviously went bad. has anyone else had this problem, and what could of caused it.

[ajdelange]

Moisture. Many yeast nutrients contain urea because it is a source of ammonia. It reacts with water to release ammonia or, in the low pH environment of wort, ammonium ion which yeast love: (NH2)2CO + H2O + 2H+ --> 2NH4+ + CO2. So your yeast nutrient has done exactly what it is supposed to do only it has done it in the jar, not in the wort. I'd say go ahead and use it.

[huskey-no.2]

Many yeast nutrients contain urea because it is a source of ammonia.

Does that mean pissing in the fermenter would help?

[thatguy314]

Many yeast nutrients contain urea because it is a source of ammonia.

Does that mean pissing in the fermenter would help?

That's urea (the less toxic chemical your body converts amonio to for safe excretion), not amonia.

[huskey-no.2]

Many yeast nutrients contain urea because it is a source of ammonia.

Does that mean pissing in the fermenter would help?

That's urea (the less toxic chemical your body converts amonio to for safe excretion), not amonia.

So drinking my own piss is not a good thing then? ... Better not have that second glass.

[brewinhard]

Use it, it will be fine. And if you ever get stranded, don't be afraid to schwill your own piss!