agitation to speed fermentation?

[liv2fly88]

I started my first batch (5 gal) of cider on 2/1/11. I made a starter of Red Star Premier Cuvee yeast, added 5 gal of the "Simply Apple" juice I found at the local discount grocer, and set it in the primary bucket in the spare shower. The aroma the next day was wonderful! Two days later, it got to the "rhino fart" stage. I'm glad that room has an exhaust fan! I added some yeast nutrient today based on suggestions in other threads to help this.

Here's the question: I typically agitate my beers during primary to help keep the yeast in suspension and keep the fermentation going. I did that with the cider, and I'm wondering if that was such a good idea. Is it a valid theory to agitate (leave the lid in place and rotate the bucket so the must swirls) to enhance fermentation, or am I potentially wrecking my cider? If it helps speed fermentation, is there any reason I couldn't make a high-load stir plate and let things stay constantly agitated? What about racking off the lees? Am I shooting myself in the foot with this agitation? Will the lees normally settle out again, how quickly?

 

[bmd2k1]

As a new hard cider maker...I'm wondering what u found out about agitating during primary fermentation w/o removing top or airlock?

 

[bernardsmith]

I use a bucket as my primary for all my wines, meads and ciders. That helps me degas and keep the yeast in suspension. Cider ain't beer. There is very little possibility of infection if your sanitation protocol is good.

 

[Kees]

I am not sure agitating speeds up fermentation. I did the same with my cider bottles. Agitation does release some CO2 however. But I think that is the CO2 already dissolved in the fluid. Dissolved particles in the fluid act as bubble starters if you like. When agitating you move them around faster so they'll incorporate more CO2 molecules on their way.That may give you the impression you speed up the fermentation.

 

[bmd2k1]

Is there any benefit to periodically agitating ur vessel during primary? I'm not so much interested in speeding up the process....as I would be to maintaining healthy yeast activity...if agitation helped this.

 

[MarkKF]

I agitate if it appears to stall. Maybe add a little nutrients too.