Beer Forum

How long does water have to be above 160-165 F to be considered sterile, or can it even be sterilized at that temp?

Thanks,
Mills

No. Some things, like botulism spores, can survive even boiling water (at atmospheric pressure). This is why it is recommended to can starter wort in a pressure cooker.

What about sanitize?

siwelwerd wrote:No. Some things, like botulism spores, can survive even boiling water (at atmospheric pressure). This is why it is recommended to can starter wort in a pressure cooker.

Can't botulism spores even survive canning in pressure cookers if done improperly?

brewinhard wrote:Can't botulism spores even survive canning in pressure cookers if done improperly?

Yes, if done improperly. 20 psi for 20 minutes will take care of those little buggers. That works out to about 250°, something you can't do with boiling water in an open pan.

Wayne

Mills wrote:What about sanitize?

I think milk is pasteurized at about 160 for 30 seconds. So that has to kill most things in there, I would imagine.