How often do I swirl mead during fermentation?

[Fenderstrat757]

First time making Meade, have 4 different batches, just want to know how often should I shake container to stir the yeast off of the bottom

 

[SKBugs]

If you have done your nutrient protocols right, then after fermentation has done it's think, you don't worry about the stuff on the bottom - lees as it is called. It is generally accepted to discard it when you rack to another container, for conditioning.

 

[Maylar]

Modern protocol is to stir twice a day for the first 3 days, then once a day until the ferment is done, and then every other day for a couple weeks. Stirring expels CO2 and helps keep the yeast in suspension. It might seem counterproductive, but the mead will actually clear faster if you do this. And stir before adding nutrients to reduce the risk of foam and overflow.

 

[bernardsmith]

It MIGHT seem counterproductive but if there is CO2 saturating the mead then that gas will prevent particles from dropping out of solution. Removing the gas by stirring will then enable gravity to pull down those particles and so your mead will clear and clear more quickly...