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submitted 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) by Maiznieks@lemmy.world to c/homebrewing@sopuli.xyz

I might need a help with my first cider brew. I've made wine in past it was all based on natural yeast, had my recipe that contained water with whatever berries I was making it.

I tried making cider, put 4 liters of apple juice from market (natural juice, but still, packed), 1.5l redcurrant berries (frozen, blended, fermented in a bag) and 2 liters of water. I added yeast and everything it needed, 6 days have passed now, hidrometer is very close to 0 and while it tastes ok, I think it tastes quite watered. I plan to sweeten it a bit (still, dry or semi dry) but have no idea how to make it more saturated (taste wise).

Is there anything I can do, especially at this stage?

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[-] ChuckLopez@lemmy.world 5 points 11 months ago

Your ordinary juice apples are not the same type of apples used to make cider, generally. Cider apples have a lot more tannin, and are generally inedible. The tannins in cider apples help give the cider depth, which would be lacking in regular apple juice. I have had luck in the past brewing up very strong tea to add to store bought juice, but it’s still not the same.

[-] preciouspupp@sopuli.xyz 3 points 11 months ago

I don’t know how good they are but it’s possible to buy tannin powder.

[-] recreationalplacebos@midwest.social 3 points 11 months ago

Hmmm, I suppose you could try adding some apple juice concentrate, but of course fermentation would start up again and you'd end with a higher alcohol content. Even then, dry ciders from store bought juice tend to be pretty thin on flavor. General solution is to add tannins, acid blend, and/or backsweeten.

[-] Rambler@lemmy.ca 3 points 11 months ago

I've tried adding tea and hops recently and really enjoyed both!

[-] KingStrafeIV@midwest.social 2 points 11 months ago

I use malic acid to tune acidity, earl grey tea to play with tannins, and you can always cut up a few pounds of apples and throw them in there to get some of the flavors from the skins + flesh.

this post was submitted on 30 Jul 2023
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