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I know what yeast nutrient is, but was browsing around the brew supply and noticed yeast accelerator. Anyone know that the REAL difference (if any) is chemically? See it mentioned through a goggle search, but not certain what it actually does. Does it shorten the fermentation time by enhancing the yeast metabolism rate? Are there downsides if this is the case? Thanks.

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There's a table in The Compleat Meadmaker that breaks that down, but I don't have the book handy at the moment. I think one is more DAP (Diammonium Phosphate) and Zinc, and the other is more FAN (Free Amino Nitrogen), but I don't remember which is which. – baka Mar 23 '11 at 18:07
Thanks. I'll look into getting that reference, sounds like a good one. – drj Mar 24 '11 at 5:08

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Yeast nutrient is used primarily to ensure a strong fermentation and is typically added toward the end of boil. Yeast accelerator is used to fix a stalled fermentation. Each contains various ingredients like phosphates and minerals to help in these cases.

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Thanks, I appreciate your response. – drj Mar 24 '11 at 5:09
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Yeast nutrient is "vitamins and minerals" to help yeast grow and ferment.

Yeast energizer is like "speed" to kick start a stuck fermentation.

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