You are hereFORUM
Register  |  Login
 Educational Segment for 2010
Minimize
 Forum
Minimize
 
  Forum  Discussions  Homebrewer's Co...  Adding Fruit to Beer
Previous Previous
 
Next Next
New Post 6/9/2010 1:49 PM
User is offline lambicguy
20 posts
Newbie


Adding Fruit to Beer  (United States)

I am making an apricot ale, would like to add fresh apricots to the secondary fermentation. I am brewing a five gallon batch.

A couple of questions:

1. How much (in lbs.) of fresh apricots would I need?

2. Can I just put in whole fruit, I was thinking about "juicing" the apricots, adding the juice first and the rinds separately.

Any input would be helpful.

Jay

jay

 

 
New Post 6/9/2010 8:25 PM
User is offline Dave
34 posts
Apprentice




Re: Adding Fruit to Beer  (United States)

The general rule is 1# fruit per gallon.  However, the quantities can very with the fruit and desired character.  Really, brewing fruit beer is very much personal preference & technique.

Typically, I usually steep the fruit at 155F for 30 minutes with enough water to cover and add both fruit and the juices to the secondary.

My recommendation would be to peel and coarsly chop your apricots, steep, and add to the secondary (1#/gallon).  You must realize this first batch will be experimental and further revisions will most likely be necessary.

I would recommend that you don't puree and add to the secondary - this ended badly in a cranberry wheat of mine when the yield was less than 50%, as the slurry 'sucked' up the beer/wort.


I am a firm believer in the people. If given the truth, they can be depended upon to meet any national crisis. The great point is to bring the real facts, and beer. - Abe Lincoln
 
New Post 6/9/2010 9:39 PM
User is offline SPLASH
99 posts
Recognized






Re: Adding Fruit to Beer  (United States)

    I could not find a recipe with apricots, but I found two for peaches.  Each one of those calls for 8 lbs of peaches, pitted, sliced and peeled.  Add just enough 150 - 155 degree water to cover the fruit for 20-30 minutes.  This kills off the bacteria without bringing out the pectins which will cause a cloudy beer. This is pretty much the rule of thumb for all fruit.


It takes beer to make thirst worthwhile.
 
New Post 6/9/2010 10:22 PM
User is offline lambicguy
20 posts
Newbie


Re: Adding Fruit to Beer  (United States)

Thanks guys. Just one more question:

Should I add more yeast or will the remaining yeast in the secondary be enough?

 
New Post 6/10/2010 7:57 AM
User is offline SPLASH
99 posts
Recognized






Re: Adding Fruit to Beer  (United States)

    Unless your starting gravity is high, the normal yeast amount shoud be fine.


It takes beer to make thirst worthwhile.
 
Previous Previous
 
Next Next
  Forum  Discussions  Homebrewer's Co...  Adding Fruit to Beer
 UsersOnline
Minimize
Membership Membership:
Latest New User Latest: JahBrewer
New Today New Today: 0
New Yesterday New Yesterday: 0
User Count Overall: 151

People Online People Online:
Visitors Visitors: 1
Members Members: 0
Total Total: 1

Online Now Online Now: