• PATRONS: Did you know we've a chat function for you now? Look to the bottom of the screen, you can chat, set up rooms, talk to each other individually or in groups! Click 'Chat' at the right side of the chat window to open the chat up.
  • Love Gotmead and want to see it grow? Then consider supporting the site and becoming a Patron! If you're logged in, click on your username to the right of the menu to see how as little as $30/year can get you access to the patron areas and the patron Facebook group and to support Gotmead!
  • We now have a Patron-exclusive Facebook group! Patrons my join at The Gotmead Patron Group. You MUST answer the questions, providing your Patron membership, when you request to join so I can verify your Patron membership. If the questions aren't answered, the request will be turned down.

quick question about melomels and when adding fruit

Barrel Char Wood Products

heathd666

Worker Bee
Registered Member
Nov 3, 2013
61
0
6
Indpls In
so after listening to several episodes of gotmead podcast i had a question about when adding fruit to melomels. i tried looking through the forum but either i wasnt working my keywords right or this hadnt been brought up much. hypothetically if i did a 5 gallon batch of mead 3 pds honey per gallon of water and finished dry. say i wanted to add 5 pounds of strawberries per gallon, 3 pounds cherries per gallon, and 2 pounds of blackberries per gallon into secondary. will there be any flavor difference if i added blackberries first waited 2 weeks. removed and added cherries waited 2 weeks. removed and added the strawberries for 2 weeks before removing. is there any benefit for adding the fruit seperatly and if so is there a particular order for adding fruit. sorry mayby i am just over thinking things but is there any difference between adding the fruit all together or adding it individually. thanks in advance for reading and any input.
 

Dadux

Worker Bee
Registered Member
Jan 5, 2016
725
3
18
Spain, Europe
No real difference as far as i know, as long as the fermentation is over, that is adding fruit to the secondary. When you add it does not matter much. Only reason to separate them is because of space i guess. But if you are gonna add fruit post fermentation make sure to stabilize first or the sugar from the fruits will be fermented. Also try putting them in mesh bags or fruit bags so you can take them out easily when you want to.
 

caduseus

Lifetime GotMead Patron
Lifetime GotMead Patron
Aug 20, 2016
675
2
18
Cincinnati
so after listening to several episodes of gotmead podcast i had a question about when adding fruit to melomels. i tried looking through the forum but either i wasnt working my keywords right or this hadnt been brought up much. hypothetically if i did a 5 gallon batch of mead 3 pds honey per gallon of water and finished dry. say i wanted to add 5 pounds of strawberries per gallon, 3 pounds cherries per gallon, and 2 pounds of blackberries per gallon into secondary. will there be any flavor difference if i added blackberries first waited 2 weeks. removed and added cherries waited 2 weeks. removed and added the strawberries for 2 weeks before removing. is there any benefit for adding the fruit seperatly and if so is there a particular order for adding fruit. sorry mayby i am just over thinking things but is there any difference between adding the fruit all together or adding it individually. thanks in advance for reading and any input.

Not really however there is a bigger difference in taste if added in primary vs. secondary.
 

Squatchy

Lifetime GotMead Patron
Lifetime GotMead Patron
Nov 3, 2014
5,542
261
83
Denver
Both of the above are true. I like to let my fruit run free. But, WHen I am planning on removing it I rack most of the clearer stuff first. Then I use the paint straining mesh bags that fit perfectly for a 5 gallon bucket. I'll slip the mesh bag over the bucket I have the fruit in and then very gently pout the must out of the fruit bucket. I make sure to tip the buckets so the must doesn't splash and cause too much exposure to the oxygen. I rarely concern myself with oxidation as I use Sulfites and tannins. Both of those combat oxidation. I found out at a class at UC Davis a month ago the it's actually the ethanol that will oxidize in long term ageing if it's not considered. Image that!
 
Barrel Char Wood Products

Viking Brew Vessels - Authentic Drinking Horns