Potassium Sorbate in the cider

[timtune]

Just started a batch of cider and 4 days late almost no activity. Turns out my cider had potassium sorbate and was UV pasteurized.
Is it junk? Will it eventually kick off?

Any help appreciated.

 

[marc1]

Sorbate will prevent yeast replication.
If you get another pack of yeast going in some (maybe a 1/2 gallon or gallon?) good cider, you might be able to add that at high krausen to kick it off in your stuck one.

 

[timtune]

would adding another packet or two of yeast help? Hate to chuck this out.

 

[JimRausch]

marc1 is correct. I have successfully fermented sorbated cider, but it takes some effort. Simply pitching more dry yeast will probably not do the job. But if you take that extra packet, and get it replicating and pitch it at high krausen, it will work. So , go look for a 1/2 gallon or so of nonsorbated cider or juice. Knudsen's has one, probably other brands as well. Pitch the packet in that, let it go for 2 days and add it to your original.