Lighting

[d00b]

I've tried researching this but couldn't find any answers regarding cider. I'm making two 5 gallon batches in my basement. There are fluorescent lights with the closest one being 4 feet away from my carboys. The lights are only on maybe 4 hours a day most. Will these light affect the taste of my cider?

 

[HopSong]

I don't think cider skunks.. but, I may be wrong. If in doubt.. cover the carboy with a dark T-shirt

 

[brazedowl]

I don't think cider skunks.. but, I may be wrong. If in doubt.. cover the carboy with a dark T-shirt

To my knowledge skunking comes from the interaction between light and hop oils. The closest I've had to "skunking" cider is not letting the campden breathe off before bottling and getting a strong sulfur nose.

 

[Randzor]

May have to worry about Oxidation due to the light, but not I don't think skunky ness...

 

[Descender]

May have to worry about Oxidation due to the light, but not I don't think skunky ness...

How would light cause oxidation?

 

[Randzor]

UVB and UVA rays breaking apart causing chemical reactions causing electrons to jump and cause oxidation... Of course I did fail my 3rd college chem class.

 

[Yooper]

Ciders (and wine) don't get skunked, but they do get "light struck". It's important to protect them from light. A blanket or towel over the carboy will do the trick.

Light struck ciders turn brownish and very flat in flavor, similar to the taste of oxidized ciders. Wines are susceptible also.