500ml Erlenmeyer flask, 1/2lb light dried malt extract & 1oz Fermaid K (Yeast Nutrient). This starter kit is for growing liquid yeast starters. The idea is that the starter acts as a mini batch of beer where the yeast cells replicate before being pitched into your 5 gallon batch. More yeast means fermentation starts faster. The bacteria and wild yeast that got into your beer during the transfer from kettle to fermenter have less chance of creating a negative flavor impact upon your beer. (We do not recommend the use of an electric element with these flasks. If this cannot be avoided, we recommend using a larger pot as a hot water bath on the stove.) In the lab world, these flasks are known as "Student Grade". A great flask for making yeast starters!(Student grade is not the highest grade flasks and will have minor defects)