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Author Topic: Timing of pectic enzyme in cider fermentation  (Read 14521 times)

Offline ANDREW.GROGAN1

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Timing of pectic enzyme in cider fermentation
« on: October 12, 2016, 03:42:52 pm »
When is the right time to add pectic enzyme to a hard cider fermentation?  This is my second year doing cider.  Last year I added it at the start of primary and again when I racked it for ageing/secondary.  Cider came out fine but curious as to when you are suppose to add it.

Offline HoosierBrew

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Re: Timing of pectic enzyme in cider fermentation
« Reply #1 on: October 12, 2016, 04:05:53 pm »
I add it once, along with the crushed Campden, wait 24 hrs, then pitch. Adding it as you pitch the yeast works fine, too.
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Offline dmtaylor

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Re: Timing of pectic enzyme in cider fermentation
« Reply #2 on: October 12, 2016, 04:12:31 pm »
Doesn't matter.  You don't need it anyway.  Haze will disappear either with age or with any clarifying agents such as gelatin added later on.  Also, you can't taste haze.  I guess it's a personal preference thing.  If you're going to use it, add it whenever you want, it shouldn't make much difference.
Dave

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Offline kramerog

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Re: Timing of pectic enzyme in cider fermentation
« Reply #3 on: October 12, 2016, 04:31:40 pm »
Pectic enzyme depending on source can be alcohol sensitive (insert proper microbiology term here) so before or at pitching is best.

Offline dmtaylor

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Re: Timing of pectic enzyme in cider fermentation
« Reply #4 on: October 12, 2016, 04:37:16 pm »
Pectic enzyme depending on source can be alcohol sensitive (insert proper microbiology term here) so before or at pitching is best.

You may be right.  (I may be crazy.  ;) )
Dave

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Offline BrewArk

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Re: Timing of pectic enzyme in cider fermentation
« Reply #5 on: October 13, 2016, 08:34:34 am »
I've always added it first.  Even before the Campden.  "To separate the juice from the fruit."
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Re: Timing of pectic enzyme in cider fermentation
« Reply #6 on: October 13, 2016, 10:09:57 am »
I've never used it and never felt like I needed to use it.
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Offline dmtaylor

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Re: Timing of pectic enzyme in cider fermentation
« Reply #7 on: October 13, 2016, 10:13:51 am »
I've never used it and never felt like I needed to use it.

 8)
Dave

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Offline udubdawg

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Re: Timing of pectic enzyme in cider fermentation
« Reply #8 on: October 13, 2016, 10:26:03 am »
I've forgotten it and added it during fermentation, but generally with or shortly after the campden.

Offline pete b

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Re: Timing of pectic enzyme in cider fermentation
« Reply #9 on: October 13, 2016, 11:43:48 am »
Pectic enzyme depending on source can be alcohol sensitive (insert proper microbiology term here) so before or at pitching is best.

You may be right.  (I may be crazy.  ;) )
But you just might be the lunatic we're looking for...
FWIW I use it in melomels just before pitching. For some reason I have never thought to use it on ciders and I get nice clear cider (after some time).
Don't let the bastards cheer you up.

Offline erockrph

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Re: Timing of pectic enzyme in cider fermentation
« Reply #10 on: October 17, 2016, 09:25:18 pm »
If you want to turn around a cider quickly then it certainly helps. I add it at pitching time.

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