Expert: John Snyder - 11/22/2010

Question
QUESTION: John, Thanks for the previous advice and I have started the fermentation process off, however it is not doing what I thought it might do. I made a yeast starter and after adding 16oz suger to take the initial S.G from 1050 to 1055, I applied it. Nothing happened for 24hrs when I realised that I had only added 1 tsp of yeast nutrients into the starter, so I added the other 4tsp's and after a further 24hrs the attached photos show what has happened. There are no bubbles just the scum on the top of the juice. I have not stirred it up since I initially added the sugar and the yeast starter. The vessel is at a constant room temperature, so dont be fooled by the radiator next to it, as it is turned right down. Also I waited for 36hrs for the effects of the campden tablet to wear off before I added the starter. I am concerned that all is not well and that I may need to add more yeast or stir it etc.... What are your thoughts? Many thanks Phil

ANSWER: Was the yeast starter working,before it was added to the juice?it's not to late to add more yeast.When adding,stir well to introduce some air into the juice.Yeast needs oxygen to get started

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: John, there was about a half inch of white froth on top of ther starter but when i added it i did not stir it in. I will give it a good stir up first and wait a day and then if still not working I will add some more yeast. Cam I over yeast it and affect the taste? Phil

Answer
Over yeasting may affect the cider taste,slightly.The white froth on your starter signifies to me,that your starter was ok.


Remember:when adding Campden tablets,wait 48 hrs.before adding the starter,or yeast;otherwise,the tablets will kill the yeast cells