Like I said I'm new to making hard cider. I have a 3 gallon batch that is finished fermenting and I was going to add the pectic enzyme until I read the label on the pack. It says to add before fermentation. Is it too late to add it now? If so, can I add it at the same time I add potassium sorbate? Thanks for any help
New to cider and I have a question about pectic enzymes
- Thread starter G-Hog
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teddyearp
Well-Known Member
I have been told by the masters here that you should add it about 12 hours before pitching your yeast. I don't think it is recommended to add it post ferment at all, but let's see . . . . .
teddyearp
Well-Known Member
I was going to see if anyone else chimed in who knows more than I, which is probably everyone, hehe.
I did a search of threads here and it seems that you can add it whenever. Suggested you mix it first with a bit of your cider. It won't clear very fast, that is why with the yeast is the preferred way, as it takes time to do its thing. I guess if you want to clear your cider faster, there's some other products that may work faster.
I did a search of threads here and it seems that you can add it whenever. Suggested you mix it first with a bit of your cider. It won't clear very fast, that is why with the yeast is the preferred way, as it takes time to do its thing. I guess if you want to clear your cider faster, there's some other products that may work faster.
Just to confuse the issue Andrew Lea (Craft Cider Making), in his chapter on Juicing and Fermenting, indicates that pectic enzyme must be added before fermentation since the enzymes do not work efficiently in the presence of alcohol. This suggests that you could add it now but it might not work as well as adding it at the start. You have probably got nothing to lose as my guess is that the worst case is that you end up with pectin haze (cloudy cider).
Post fermentation- it's hit or miss for me as far as working. Try it. There's no harm in adding after fermentation.
Too late. Anyway, I have never used it and never will. Totally unnecessary ingredient. All my ciders come out clear without it.
Not sure what you mean by too late.
From what I understand, the pectic enzyme has to be added prior to fermentation. On the other hand, I seriously wonder if it is only a placebo anyway.
It works after fermenting but it's much quicker if added at pitch. Not a placebo, it works as advertised.
