Reducing Juices before Fermentation

Sep 23, 2007 5 Replies

I've got around 10 gallons of prickly pear juice with a specific gravity of



1.38. I don't need 10 more gallons of wine, and 4% alcohol seems a little weak. Consequently, I've been thinking of boiling it to reduce it by 3 or 4 gallons before I ferment. Do you guys think this will hurt my must?

Posting this in multiple groups???

I would try to freeze it instead of boiling...

Joel Crum wrote:

Boiling will produce furfural compound from the sugars. These alter flavour also they are yeast inhibitors an may cause fermentation problems.

Bob M

formatting link

I assume you really mean 1.038; freezing is a better option as has been mentioned. You can use big freezer bags. Let it thaw to about half volume through a funnel to concentrate it. Sugaring is not uncommon either.

4% would never keep well, you are better off getting to 10% ABV by either sugaring or freeze concentrating.

Joe

My experience is that you need two pounds of sugar per 6-8 pounds of fruit to get prickly pear cactus fruit (PPCJ) must to the 1100's, which is my target for OG. Are you averse to adding sugar? I wouldnt boil it that long if I were you..I tried an experiemental batch of PPCJ with a long boil because I have had problems with a bad mouth feel from this must. Some writers say a long boil alleviates this. The batch is not ready yet (minimum 12 months, best at 18) but both the color and the flavor have suffered.

Good luck

Sean

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required