How potent is homemade fruit extract?

[bleme]

So I went to a LHBS last week and he didn't have any blueberry extract, but he told me that I could make my own extract by crushing 8oz of blueberries and covering it with vodka for 2 weeks. Is this accurate?

From what I have read, 2oz of extract is supposed to be equivalent in flavor to about 5 pounds of berries. My brain is having a hard time wrapping around the idea that 8oz of berries could impart the same flavor as 5 pounds. Am I missing something?

 

[nanofreak]

Im not sure, but a lot of extracts at the store taste really artificial. You are probably better off making your own, or racking onto fruit or puree. I'm not a fan of bottled extracts.

 

[bleme]

I was planning on using fresh juiced blueberries (with skins thrown in too) until I found a recipe for the beer I am trying to clone, Seadog Bluepaw, which uses extract. So I went on a hunt for a natural blueberry extract, and now I think I am back to using fresh.... unless I find out I can make my own extract for a lot cheaper!

 

[Machalel]

I dont think that is going to give you extract... A blueberry flavoured vodka maybe!

 

[vtron]

I made a blackberry wheat by just throwing the frozen blackberries in at flameout. The beer turned out great.