Pratzie

Recipes 

So im on my first batch of hard cider. Using Nottingham and rehydrated as advised on the pack. This thing took off like Usain Bolt in London. Within 2 hours it was starting to lace around the top of the carboy and within 6 hours the airlock was bubbling away so I think im on the right path.

But i've read several places that apples may not have the necessary nutrients needed for yeast to thrive in cider must as compared to water in the wort of home brew which normally has natural minerals in it. Some of the recipes i've seen don't show any nutrient additives but some do. Im just looking for opinions on whether you should or should not add them, why and if so, how much and how often. Also any thoughts on whether or not nutrient would help it ferement to a lower final gravity as well as impacts on the speed of reaching a final gravity.

Any and all opinions appreciated!

__________________
Bottled: Caramel Apple Hard Cider, Bavarian Hefeweizen, Belgian Dubbel
Kegged:
Primary: Cream of Three Crops Ale
Secondary: Empty
Aging/Conditioning:
Bottle Priming:
On Deck: Deception Cream Stout, BierMuncher's SWMBO Slayer, Yooper's Oatmeal Stout, Joe's Ancient Orange Mead, Blood Orange Hefeweizen
Rest In Peace: American Wheat, Cream Ale, Sweet Stout, Lemon-Lime American Pale Wheat

snortwheeze

Recipes 

I added nutrient to my 5 gallon batch. More to ward off "rhino farts" then anything else. I added 1tsp per gallon. A couple of raisins will do the same thing, at least that's what I'm told.....

KBentley57

Recipes 

According to a study: (http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?pid=S1516-89132011000300017&script=sci_arttext)

Applejuice from three different varities were tested for their nitrogen content, and its effect on fermentation. They found that no nitrogen source is required. Here is the conclusion of their paper, but I would encourage you to read the whole thing. It's an interesting piece of work.

I understand you asked for nutrient, and not specifically a pure nitrogen supplement such as DAP, but I would assume the same thing goes. They found that yeast fermented to completion without any additional suppliments. That being said, I would add a Tablespoon (for 6 gallon) of yeast energizer to the batch just in case.

Clayton

Recipes 

alot of brewers use organic apples becase they have less FAN and you can make a sweeter cider with less fuss. if you add DAP or nutrient you will get very compleate fermention =DRY
http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f32/results-juice-yeast-sugar-experiments-83060/ read this all the way.

__________________
Once, during Prohibition, I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water. ~ W.C. Fields

LeBreton

Recipes 

Interesting link! Thanks for sharing.

__________________
Bellwether Hard Cider
In all the states no door stands wider,
To ask you in to drink hard cider

Pratzie

Recipes 

Very good info here, thanks for sharing!

__________________
Bottled: Caramel Apple Hard Cider, Bavarian Hefeweizen, Belgian Dubbel
Kegged:
Primary: Cream of Three Crops Ale
Secondary: Empty
Aging/Conditioning:
Bottle Priming:
On Deck: Deception Cream Stout, BierMuncher's SWMBO Slayer, Yooper's Oatmeal Stout, Joe's Ancient Orange Mead, Blood Orange Hefeweizen
Rest In Peace: American Wheat, Cream Ale, Sweet Stout, Lemon-Lime American Pale Wheat

JtotheA

Recipes 

I have yet to add any nutrients to any of mine. I have had great success by keeping my recipes simple and not adding sugar or chemicals (maybe some some juice concentrate) and being able to control the ale yeasts and keep things on the sweeter side without backsweetening. Well that's my take on not adding any nutrients, but everyone does things different and likes things different. What Clayton said is becoming more and more apparent the more I learn.

johnny5000

Recipes 

Are there any disadvantages to adding yeast nutrients? Other than personal preference of making a product with as few additives as possible?

LeBreton

Recipes 

Only disadvantage is if you add too much too late. If there is enough nutrient left in the cider at the end you can taste it.

__________________
Bellwether Hard Cider
In all the states no door stands wider,
To ask you in to drink hard cider

gratus fermentatio

Recipes 

I use yeast nutrient, yeast energizer & DAP (diammonium phosphate) in every cider, graf, and wine I make. The reason is simple:
For a few cents, I can make certain the yeast have everything they need for a healthy fermentation; to me, it's worth it.
Regards, GF.