Flavoring Extracts

[Brian_S]

Ok...so summer is approaching (much like the Sardukar...sorry flash back to Dune 2) and I'm thinking a flavored wheat beers.  I'm looking for some apricot extract to do a Magic Hat #9 clone. Anyone got any?

Bueller......Bueller......

Thanks
B

[Dave Savoie]

I payed an arm and a leg for mine shipped out of ontario

[Richard]

I'm guessing there's no way that actually buying apricot will be sufficient?

[Brian_S]

I'm guessing not due to active yeast and what not.

B

[Shawn]

What about that apricot puree that NG carries?

[Brian_S]

That might be another way to go but it will partially ferment as well.  I may try it anyway....what could possibly go wrong?
B

[Richard]

that's the spirit

fwiw I reckon if there's enough residual sweetness in the wheat beer you won't notice the difference if some of the fructose gets nommed by the yeast...

... afaik the best technique for using fresh fruit is to puree it with a blender, then pasteurise it by dumping it in some cold water + bringing it up to 75-80C for about 10-20 minutes. I used this for blood oranges in a wheat beer and it turned out just fine.

[Shawn]

I've heard of people freezing fresh fruit... this not only helps store it until you need it, but it also helps break down the cell walls in the fruit for better flavor extraction, etc.

[Richard]

Sounds valid... I wonder if that brings anything to the party which a blender doesn't

(it probably does)

[Shawn]

Hmmm... I wouldn't think so... a blender chopping all that stuff up should be fine.

Plus, you can make margaritas on the side...

[Kyle]

Avoid J.D. Carlson. and Brewers Best... very disappointing fruit extract brands.

This summer, I'm going to cook the fruit to 160F, or whatever it is, and add to secondary. The extracts I paid good money for, and which were supposedly top quality were poor at best.

[Kyle]

Sounds valid... I wonder if that brings anything to the party which a blender doesn't

(it probably does)

Using a blender would pulverise the bitter seeds (if present) and they may add harshness to the brew. With the other method, seeds could be strained out.