Freeze Dried Starters Cultures - Shelf Life In Freezer?

[Nicki]

Hi

I was wondering if anyone could tell me how long you can store starter cultures in the freezer? I bought some different kinds 2 years ago when I started cheese making but had to take a break for a year. I still have most of my cultures and am wondering if I need to buy new ones or I can use these up first?

[FRANCOIS]

Starters don't go "bad" but lose effectivity.  Just use a bit more of them.  I have used freeze dried cultures that were 5 years old and they still worked, just had to use lots of them.

[Nicki]

Thanks for that. I was a bit worried about spending a lot of money when it wasn't necessary. :)

[dthelmers]

It might be a good time to make some mother cultures from them. That way you don't have to guess at the strength when you make your cheese.

[Nicki]

Good idea. I will do that. Thanks