Orange peel to secondary

[BrutalBrew]

Here is my situation. I have a pale ale that has 1 week left in secondary. I have a bag of fresh oranges and want to add zest or peels to the brew. Im concerned about infection and how is the best way to do this. If I add zest then its going to be bottled because theirs really no way I can filter it out, If i use a strainer into bottling bucket then its going to be aerated. But Ive had beers with small bits of zest in it so I am thinking it wont hurt , peels will just stay in the bottling bucket but wont have the same effect as zest. I am also worried about opening the secondary to put in the zest/peel and wondering if that alone will cause infection since there's still 1 week left. Dont know if enough c02 will reform protecting brew. I know if I use peels it will be more of a bitter taste due to more brine. Im only wanting to add a note of orange , not to strong. Im not a big fan of fruit beers but do like small orange note to PA and IPA .
Seen alot of coriander added to PA's also , is it to late for that of waist of time , ive read that to much coriander will make a peppery note and I dont like peppery beers.

 

[BrutalBrew]

After more thread searching ive decided to finely zest 3-4 oranges and soak in small amount of vodka. Ill filter out the zest and add the liquid to secondary , or should I pitch it zest and all?

 

[Calichusetts]

You can add the peel in a hop bag...I have. Add some zest during the later stages of your boil and at flameout as well.

 

[Quaker]

I used a veggie peeler to make long, wide strips of orange peel. I was able to avoid any of the bitter white skin under the orange surface without a problem. I flamed mine using a gas stove burner to sanitize. The oils caused a burnt odor, but I tossed them in anyways.

Now I can't tell you how it turned, because that was Sunday. But the large pieces should allow you to avoid them going in a bottle.

 

[BrutalBrew]

I'm already in secondary so adding to boil isn't possible. The soaking in vodka is to extract the oils so I can add to better bottle. I'm not sure how long to leave it in or if I should use zest or strips. I'm worried about infection/ how to remove zest from beer when bottling. I will do the boil thing next time. Ive read a lot about both boil/secondary and still going do do more research on which is better for me. I need to figure out what characteristics each method have.

 

[duboman]

I'm already in secondary so adding to boil isn't possible. The soaking in vodka is to extract the oils so I can add to better bottle. I'm not sure how long to leave it in or if I should use zest or strips. I'm worried about infection/ how to remove zest from beer when bottling. I will do the boil thing next time. Ive read a lot about both boil/secondary and still going do do more research on which is better for me. I need to figure out what characteristics each method have.

Zest them and be careful to avoid the white part, soak in vodka to sanitize and just add them, if the prices are large enough they won't get picked up by the racking cane when you transfer to your bottling bucket.

I've done flame out and secondary with really no major difference in flavors imparted. The advantage at flame out is there is no need to secondary or sanitize.

 

[Quaker]

The size of peels I made would not go through a siphon or bottling spigot. The alcohol in secondary should be sufficient to avoid infection. You could soak in vodka for extra protection.

 

[CS223]

Is there any reason that you couldn't use the McCormick orange extract and just add it to the wort prior to pitching?

 

[duboman]

Is there any reason that you couldn't use the McCormick orange extract and just add it to the wort prior to pitching?

If you wanted to use an orange extract it would actually be best to add it at bottling. I would recommend starting with only 2-3oz and allow to mix in as you would priming sugar as you rack in the beer.

I will be doing this with a peach wheat and peach extract

 

[seafra]

Is there any reason that you couldn't use the McCormick orange extract and just add it to the wort prior to pitching?

I've used orange extract to good effect. I just add it when kegging. You get lots of orange aroma. I only use 1 tsp in 5 gallons. I prefer dried bitter Madagascar peel @ :10 in the boil, but extract aint too bad.

 

[Cider123]

You'll get better extraction from the orange peel if you zest versus peel. It is a surface area thing. In either case, watch out for white pith. It will ruin your flavor.

You'll will also dissolve more essential oils if you use everclear vs vodka. The higher proof makes everclear a better solvent. Of course you can only do this if everclear is legal in your state. I have made lemoncello and orangecello using these techniques and they came out very similar to store bought bottles. I haven't tried it, but adding some of the liquor to my beer might give some quick and excellent citrus flavor.