Not Fermenting - HELP!

[DamnRedhead]

Good morning,
I started out with 5 gallons of Trader Joe's Unfiltered Apple Juice, as I have done many times before. This time instead of using a Campden tablet I used Potassium Metabisulfate, and let it sit for 3 days. I added my Nottingham yeast last night, after 30 minutes of rehydrating, and it's doing nothing. Did I add too much potassium? Is there any hope for my cider? What sucks is I'm under a time crunch and am making this for my company's Halloween party :/ TIA!

 

[Maylar]

How much K-Meta did you use? The normal dose is 1/4 TSP for 5 gallons.

 

[DamnRedhead]

I'm pretty sure I used too much... probably closer to half a tsp.

 

[Maylar]

It'll dissipate eventually. If you don't see any activity in a couple more days I'd pitch another pack of yeast. Your time line is pretty short BTW - you're looking at probably 4 weeks to finish from here.

 

[Jessiegaddy]

Yeah yeast don't know how to tell time. It'll finish when it's done. But agree with maylar on a repitch if you don't see any activity soon.

 

[thespiff]

I used too much Campden last year, with champagne yeast (I read some article that insisted I should use 3 tablets per gallon). A week after pitching I had no activity and pitched another packet. Almost 2 weeks after first pitch I finally saw active fermentation. It was a stressful two weeks up until krausen but the resulting cider was great and all my friends thoroughly enjoyed it.

So, be patient, pitch a second packet if you don't see activity by the weekend, and then be patient again. I think it'll work out for you.

 

[DamnRedhead]

Thanks y'all... I got home last night and it had started fermenting.. it's off to a slow start but I added a little more nutrient and it's taken off pretty well. Usually 3 weeks is fine for a good cider, but I'm worried it may take a little longer this time due to my screw up :/