Problem with "food grade" plastic primary fermenter

Plastic aroma/flavor is sometimes caused by phenols. Phenols can be a byproduct of some yeasts or most likely an infection from wild yeast. I do all my primary fermentation in food grade plastic, Steve

"plasticy"?

Really? Ugh. Does it go away ever?

Hi Matt,

I've had very good results using stainless steel pots as primary vessels. I cover the top with plastic wrap and a large elastic or a string tie, I often place the stainless cover over the plastic wrap as protection. It has the added advantage of being able to look inside for activity. Typically, I transfer to a secondary glass container within 7 days, after the intial fermintation settles down.

I have not had any problems. Do you bleach your container between batches? Don't use aluminum...but the stainless steel should be okay. I don't know about the earthenware - I've read some strange things about those leaching stuff, but not seeing yours, I don't know. I did see a glass container with top - about 2 gallons, I figured, at Walmart for about $20. I was tempted to buy it because I only do 1 gallon batches, but my plastic bucket does fine. Darlene

Certain types of plastic will give you that off odor, but not all. If you're working with such small quantities, why don't you just buy some stainless cookware? I've seen that pretty cheap, and it even comes with lids.

Tom S

At work I have been offered a couple of plastic food containers. both are

10L or thereabouts and I noticed they have a well known Mayonaise label on them. I hope to pick them up later in the week. I understand that mayonaise is based on oil. should I was/ rinse them in any particular way before use?

-- Regards Thomas Edinburgh Scotland

Soap and hot water should be sufficient. Mayonnaise doesn't have any strong flavors that could linger. I wouldn't recommend using an empty pickle or ketchup jar, though.

Tom S

Thanks Tom

-- Regards Thomas Edinburgh Scotland

Here is a method recommended to remove off-odours from plastic containers to be used for food-storage:

Removing smells

Get rid of these odours by following simple, home remedies:

You will need a clean cotton rag or paper tissues, water, baking soda, a lemon or lemon juice. Mix about a cup of water, 4 tablespoons of baking soda and the juice of one lemon. Wipe the interior of the container with this mixture, removing all spatters, and rinse with fresh water.Take the balance of the solution and boil in a shallow microwave-safe dish for two minutes.The microwave should be very steamy, use caution when opening the door. Wipe off the container with a dry cloth or paper tissue. Another solution is to wipe the container with a 50:50 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water. If the smells are very strong, let the container sit overnight in the solution.

Thanks for this, I have saved it incase the need arises

-- Regards Thomas Edinburgh Scotland

Go back to your local Grocer and talk to the bakery . They get in all thier frostings and fillings in 2 3 5 and sometines 10 gal Food Grade buckets.

You could skip the whole idea of a primary and just ferment in a carboy. Although the bucket is a good one if your going to have to strain before putting the must into a carboy.

Don