Blueberry Ridge

gaudet · Jul 11, 2009

I steamed 35#'s of blueberries that we picked back at the end of May. They had been frozen since being picked. I reserved 4 quarts for future use (f-pac), and used the remaining 2.5 gallons to start another batch of blueberry.

The recipe is as follows

1/4 tsp k-meta
2.5 gallons juice
10#'s sugar to the boiled juice (sg was 1.120 a tad on the high side)
Water to the 6 gallon mark (about 2.5 gallons)
SG was now 1.096 (phew, still a little on the high side, but not as bad as 1.120)

I waited 12 hours
added 1 tbs pectic enzyme
1 tbs yeast nutrient (Used the last tbs)
1 tbs yeast energizer
1 tbs wine tannin

At the 24 hour mark I pitched Lalvin 71b-1122

Looking at the must today it seems to have already started fermentation.

Tom · Jul 11, 2009

How many pounds did the steamer take each time and how long did it take you?

gaudet · Jul 11, 2009

I steamed them in 3 batches 11#, 13#, 11#. Each batch took approximately 1.25 hours I like to steam a little longer. Add another 15 minutes to clean the basket and juice collection pan and get another gallon of water boiling I'd say each batch took about 1.5 hours. I collected the pulp afterward and tried to run a last batch and got about a 1/2 quart before the steamer decided to start spraying blueberry juice out the sides (I'm assuming the basket was obstructed by the pulp and the juice had no where else to go)

I forgot to mention that I soaked the pulp (in a strainer bag) in the must overnight. After squeezing the bag and extracting the juice back into the must, it took about 1/2 gallon of water to bring it back to the 6 gallon mark. I also had to remove a half gallon of must and add another 1/2 gallon of water to achieve the final gravity I noted as 1.096

Tasting the must it was still very fruity, dark, and sweet

gaudet · Jul 13, 2009

The yeasties are percolating heavy. Got a nice bubble cap on this one...

SWMBO says there are some happy critters (yeast) in there

CajunJay · Jul 13, 2009

Gaudet, At 1.120 I thought you might be going on another port making journey. I hear you are good at that.

I'd love more info on that steamer you are using. Seems to be a tool I might not be able to live without.

Jay

gaudet · Jul 13, 2009

CajunJay said:
Gaudet, At 1.120 I thought you might be going on another port making journey. I hear you are good at that.

I'd love more info on that steamer you are using. Seems to be a tool I might not be able to live without.

Jay

I got one port under my belt....... So thanks

I have a Back to Basics Steamer from http://www.cookware.com

They still sell them and at $115 shipped its a great deal for a stainless steel product. Works great for extracting juice from just about anything.