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The acidity and fruity characteristics in many mixed-fermentation beers make them good candidates for fruit additions. It is not recommended to put fruit into a beer to cover up some major flaw or off character-flavor. Fruit can complement a good beer but it will likely not fix problems. Quality fruit is expensive and you'll want to start from a good base if you are going to invest the time and money in good fruit for a beer.
For commercial brewers in the US, any ingredient not on the [https://www.ttb.gov/beer/exempt-ingre.shtml TTB exempt] lists needs to be approved by the TTB regardless of where the beer is sold. When seeking approval, it is helpful to show previous use and scientific articles supporting the safety of consumption of the ingredient being used. For example, if the item is on the [https://www.fda.gov/food/ingredientspackaginglabeling/gras/ucm083022.htm FDA GRAS] list (or potentially FDA approved [https://www.cfsanappsexternal.fda.gov/scripts/fdcc/?cat=FoodIngredientsPackaging&type=Fruit varietiesbasic&search=Food Ingredient and Packaging Inventories]; see also advice from [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/posts/4889765437718298/?comment_id=4889893777705464&reply_comment_id=4889906237704218 Andrew Zinn]), then providing this information to the TTB or possibly having the FDA GRAS department work with the TTB for approval can help. See also [https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid=bd3ebd8d0f96086d22829fda14923623&rgn=div5&view=text&node=27:1.0.1.1.20&idno=27#sg27.1.25_153.sg4 ''Formulas for fermented products'' on GPO.gov].
[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2249190315109170 '''TTB Formula Approvals Spreadsheet''']
</blockquote>
==When To Add Fruit==
When to add the fruit depends on the style of beer and what the brewer is going for. Generally, fruit is added after a sour or mixed fermentation beer has finished aging and maturing. This preserves the fruit character more than other methods. For example, a mixed fermentation sour beer might take 6-12 months for the ''Brettanomyces'' character to develop fully. After this maturation, the fruit should be added, and then aged for another 1-2 months. For a kettle sour, the same rule applies, but the time frame is generally much shorter. Since kettle sours generally mature much faster than mixed fermentation beers, fruit can be added much sooner. For example, if the kettle sour is done fermenting after two weeks, fruit can be added at that time.
Another method would be to add the fruit earlier on during the aging process. This can help extract more from fruit skins or seeds, but some of the more delicate aromas and flavors of the fruit could age out of the beer in that time. For example, Belgian kriek style beers are sometimes aged on cherries for 6-12 months, which is believed to be the time required to fully extract the character from the cherries and pits <ref name="raf_cherries" />. A longer period of aging time on fruit can also result in less "jammy" and fresh fruit flavors, but also a more subtle and complex fruit character.
A combination of adding fruit earlier on in the fermentation, and then again after the beer has matured is another technique that brewers have used. For example, The Lost Abbey's Framboise de Amorosa is aged in a wine barrel for a year and during that time receives three separate additions of raspberries <ref>[http://lostabbey.com/beer/framboise-de-amorosa/ "Framboise de Amorosa". The Lost Abbey website. Retrieved 07/26/2017.]</ref>.
Fruit juice can also be added at bottling time and is usually used as the priming sugar source when this is done. This is considered an advanced technique that requires knowledge of the amount of sugar in the juice. The brewer should calculate the amount of sugar that is in the fruit juice and how much fruit juice should be used so that over-carbonation does not become a problem.
Fruit can be added at any other point in the brewing process as well. For example, some brewers have tried adding fruit to the mash, boil, or during primary fermentation. Adding fruit this early in the brewing process generally results in less fruit character. Some fruits might benefit from these different approaches, such as citrus based fruits being added in the boil (see the [[Soured_Fruit_Beer#Usage_Suggestions|Usage Suggestions]] below).
Pasteurizing fruit is optional if the beer is a mixed fermentation beer (contains living ''Brettanomyces''). Generally, the low pH, alcohol, and hops will prevent the growth of any microbes on the fruit. there is a possibility of wild yeast living on the fruit potentially adding to the character of the beer. If this is not desired, for example for kettle sours where the brewer does not want to risk contamination of their cold side equipment, the fruit can be pasteurized or the brewer can use a pasteurized fruit product such as a puree or juice. For tips on pasteurizing fruit, see [https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/how-to-brew/how-to-add-fruit-to-beer/ this AHA article]. For more information on the forms of fruit (puree, juice, whole, etc.) and various concerns/approaches to using those forms, see the [[Soured_Fruit_Beer#Forms_of_Fruit|Forms of Fruit]] below.
For how long to age the beer on fruit, see [[Soured_Fruit_Beer#Aging_Vessels_and_Refermentation|Aging Vessels and Refermentation]] and [[Soured_Fruit_Beer#Usage_Suggestions|Usage Suggestions contact time]] below.
==Aging Vessels and Refermentation==
===Aging Vessels===
(In progress) In wood general, the fruit is added to a new vessel of some sort, and the beer is gently transferred to this new vessel to rest on the fruit for the determined re-fermentation time. Some homebrewers will also dump fruit directly into the primary fermenter itself. This can be a challenge in regards to minimizing oxygen due to splashing and physically getting fruit into certain types of fermenters such as glass carboys that have a small opening. For homebrewers, vessels such as plastic buckets are a good option because fruit can easily be added and removed afterward. When racking beers to another vessel, the vessel should be purged with CO2 if possible, although this isn't always necessary (if the beer does not seem to contain a lot of acetic acid or ethyl acetate, purging the oxygen may not be needed). The vessel should be cleaned and sanitized beforehand. For commercial brewers, having a screen of some sort at the bottom of the vessel is beneficial for helping to separate the fruit material from the beer after the aging. For example, [http://funkfactorybrewing.blogspot.com/2016/09/modifying-barrel.html Funk Factory Geuzeria] built a tap and stainless screen for aging sour beer on fruit in an oak barrel. Some brewers also use [[IBC_Tote|IBC Totes]] for aging beer on fruit. Puree or steel juice can easily be added directly to an oak barrel, but there must be enough room for the fruit and the re-fermentation. Fruit displacement isn't a huge concern; 10 pounds of fruit generally requires an extra gallon of headspace (the exact volume depends on the volume of the fruit <ref name="fruit_displacement_wikipedia">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Displacement_(fluid) Displacement (fluid). Wikipedia. Retrieved 05/05/2016.]</ref>). However, the fruit will usually re-ferment, causing a blow-off, so allowing for extra headspace is a good idea. [http://www.aqua-calc.com/calculate/food-volume-to-weight This site] might assist with calculating the displacement volume of fruit. (To do: add info from this thread: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1770502506311289/) * [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2453884344639765/ MTF thread on Speidel's Variable Capacity tank BO.] Winemaking equipment vendors such as GW Kent also [https://www.gwkent.com/variable-capacity-econo-tank.html sells variable capacity tanks].* [https://www.instagram.com/p/CE56_F7l1bd/ Altbrau Instagram post on using plastic Speidal fermenters for fruit refermentation.] ===Refermentation===Whenever fruit is added to a beer that hasn't been pasteurized, a re-fermentation will occur because new sugars from the fruit are introduced to the microbes that are still alive in the beer. This re-fermentation can take some time to being, and some time to finish, depending on the beer. In general, the fruit should be allowed to finish fermenting before packaging. An alternative method is to ferment the fruit more quickly in a separate fermentation tank with ''S. cerevisiae'' and then blend the fermented fruit into the beer; see [[Soured_Fruit_Beer#Other_Alternative_Processing_and_Fermentation_Methods|Other Alternative Processing and Fermentation Methods]] for more information. For information about packaging beer with unfermented fruit/puree/juice, see [[Unfermented Fruit Beer]]. Regular beers and kettle sour beers often contain living ''S cerevisiae'' as long as they are not aged for too long (less than a month). [[Mixed Fermentation]] sour beers where ''Brettanomyces'' was pitched will most likely still contain living ''Brettanomyces'' cells even after a year or two of aging. In the case of ''Brettanomyces'', only a small population of surviving cells is enough to kick off a re-fermentation. For beers that have aged for a very long time in very sour conditions, fresh ''Brettanomyces'' or wine yeast can be pitched to ensure re-fermentation of the fruit. When adding fruit to a non-pasteurized beer that does '''not''' contain living ''[[Brettanomyces]]'' but does contain living ''S. cerevisiae'' (for example, kettle sours), a re-fermentation will often occur a day or glass two after adding the fruit. This re-fermentation can last 1-2 weeks until the sugars from the fruit are fermented. Sours such as kettle sours that do not contain living ''Brettanomyces'' can be treated like adding fruit to any other type of "clean" beer (see [https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/how-to-brew/how-to-add-fruit-to-beer/ this AHA article], for example). Beers that are fully pasteurized, for example from a flash pasteurizer, or aged for longer than 6 months or so, will not re-ferment the fruit because all of the yeast is dead. Fruit that is added to a sour beer that does not contain living ''Brettanomyces'' should be pasteurized somehow so that wild yeast does not over-attenuate the beer (see the previously mentioned AHA article for pasteurization options), or the brewer can use ascetic concentrate, juice, or puree that does not need to be pasteurized. There are different considerations when adding fruit to aged sours that contain living ''Brettanomyces''. In general, there is no reason to pasteurize the fruit when adding it to a sour beer with ''Brettanomyces'', so this step can be skipped (most of the wild yeast and bacteria on the fruit won't be able to grow, and if there are their impact will be minimal if any at all). The brewer may choose to pasteurize the fruit if adding it to a beer that has ''Brettanomyces'' but does not have lactic acid bacteria in the case where they do not want to risk the beer getting a slight increase in lactic acid from any potential lactic acid bacteria on the fruit, although this is usually not a concern since any wild lactic acid bacteria will probably not survive well in the harsh conditions of the already fermented ''Brettanomyces'' beer. When adding fruit to an aged, non-pasteurized sour beer that contains ''Brettanomyces'', a secondary fermentation will generally occur after a few days of adding the fruit, and will generally last 1-2 months (see [[Soured_Fruit_Beer#Usage_Suggestions|contact times]] below). A seven-day lag time is not unheard of, as this follows the growth cycle of many ''[[Brettanomyces]]'' strains. The visual indicators of this fermentation will depend on the strain(s) of ''Brettanomyces'' and other microbes that have survived the previous aging process, and can range from active fermentation to developing a pellicle to having no visual fermentation at all. Active fruit fermentation may cause fruit particles to clog the airlock or bung and prevent the vessel from venting pressure. This may cause the airlock to shoot off or plasticworse. The Rare Barrel prevents this problem in vigorously re-fermenting beers by stabling foil over the bung holes of barrels of actively fermenting fruit beer rather than using a bung<ref name='Jester King on the Sour Hour pt. 1'>[http://www.thebrewingnetwork.com/the-sour-hour-episode-14/ The Sour Hour #14: with Jester King, pt. 1]</ref> (~52 minutes in). Raf Soef uses stainless mesh from a tea ball on the bottom of bungs to prevent fruit pieces from clogging the bung or airlock <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1156796387681907/ Raf Soef's tea strainer modification]</ref>. Raf also suggests filling only 80% of the capacity of the vessel with fruit and beer, and then topping up after the re-fermentation of the fruit <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1186697904691755/?comment_id=1186735661354646&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D Conversation with Raf Soef on MTF regarding re-fermentation of fruit and dealing with blow off. 11/30/2015.]</ref>. When using whole fruit, it is typical for the fruit to be carried to and held at the top of the fermenter by the carbonation. Some producers have voiced concern over the fruit sitting for prolonged periods of time in contact with air and prefer to push the fruit cap down periodically (and to ferment in such a vessel as to allow this)<ref name='Jester King on the Sour Hour pt. 1'/> (~40 minutes in). If you are fermenting in carboys and feel that you are getting acetic character from the fruit cap being in contact with air you can swirl the carboy periodically. Note that many who have used whole fruit have not noticed any problem with a fruit cap being in contact with air, so you may or may not find that this is a concern for you<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1170422922985920/ MTF facebook thread about fruit caps]</ref>. Adding yeast when adding fruit is an option, but not necessary, even for really old sour beers. There should still be some living ''Brettanomyces'' in the beer. Yeast could be added optionally, which might help reduce the effects of added oxygen or speed up the re-fermentation process, but it is generally not necessary. ===Changes To Alcohol Content===Unless very large amounts are added, most fruit does not greatly change the overall alcohol content of the beer that it is added to since most fruit with a high water content is within the 1.045-1.060 starting gravity range, or lower <ref>[http://www.brsquared.org/wine/CalcInfo/FruitDat.htm Ben Rotter. "Fruit Data: Yield, Sugar, Acidity, Tannin". Improved Winemaking website. 2011. Retrieved 03/16/2018.]</ref>. Wine grapes are a notable exception to this, which have high starting gravities that produce 10-15% ABV wines. When adding fruit with average gravities to beer and allowing it to re-ferment, small changes to the ABV can occur based on the amount and type of the fruit, the format of the fruit, and the ABV of the beer. For example, if a fruit puree that has a typical gravity of around 1.045 is added to a 10% ABV beer, the more puree that is added then the more it will dilute the total ABV of the beer. Fruit concentrates and dried fruit may add more alcohol than when added in juice/whole fruit format because the water content of the fruit has been removed, although lower dosages of concentrate/dried fruit might result in only small or insignificant ABV increases. The gravity of whole fruit or juice can be fairly easily determined by using a refractometer. [http://sourbeerblog.com/a-guide-to-blending-sour-beer-with-fruit/ Matt Miller of Sour Beer Blog] provides a calculator that can help predict alcohol changes based on the gravity and quantity of the fruit (and beer), and [https://www.themadfermentationist.com/2010/10/adding-fruit-to-beer-increases-alcohol.html Michael Tonsmeire of The Mad Fermentationist] provides a calculation as well. See also:* [http://www.brsquared.org/wine/CalcInfo/FruitDat.htm "Fruit Data: Yield, Sugar, Acidity, Tannin" by Ben Rotter (lists typical gravities of many fruits).]
==Forms of Fruit==
===General Forms of Fruit===Fruit is available to the brewer in multiple different forms.* '''Whole or sliced fresh''' - Use a CO2-purged keg or minimize headspace in a carboy. Mold and acetic acid bacteria can grow on the skins of floating fruit <ref name="kohlmorgen"></ref>. ''Brettanomyces'' can also produce acetic acid in the presence of O2, and it is possible that this is the source of acetic acid sometimes found in beers with floating fruit rather than acetic acid bacteria. Some brewers like to swirl the fermenter every few days or to keep the alcohol in contact with the fruit, though some others report no ill effects from not swirling the fermenter (and this is impractical in commercial settings). If using a barrel or larger fermenter, you may try using a punch-down technique. If punching down the fruit, purge the headspace of the vessel with CO2 to avoid oxygen exposure to the beer. Allow the fruit to get fully or possibly even over-ripe (not rotten) for best flavor. Whole fruit may take longer to ferment but it also can give the most complexity <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1123884634306416/?comment_id=1123893237638889&offset=0&total_comments=9&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R0%22%7D Thoughts from Raf Soef on using whole fruit in a MTF thread]</ref>* '''Whole or sliced frozen''' - Bulk freezing fruit has a few main potential benefits. First, freezing fruit helps to break down cell walls, which may make the fruit easier to access for yeast and bacteria in the beer <ref>[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23670237 "Effects of freezing and thawing on texture, microstructure and cell wall composition changes in papaya tissues." Phothiset S, Charoenrein S. 2014.]</ref>. Freezing fruit can also reduce the microbe populations present on the fruit. Note however that freezing does not kill all the microbes on the fruit and many pathogens and beer spoilers can survive freezing (freezing does not pasteurize the fruit). Finally, freezing fruit allows the brewer (especially the homebrewer) to take advantage of local and seasonal fruits when they may not have a use ready for those fruits in season. Frozen fruits are also available as IQF, or individually quick frozen fruit. IQF fruit is frozen but each berry is distinct rather than a single frozen mass. This allows for easier handling, helps prevent clumping, makes for easier fitting of fruit into small openings in carboys or barrels, and allows screening and removal of bad looking fruit. The cell walls of IQF fruit are less broken down than bulk frozen fruit, so there might be a slower extraction rate when using IQF <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1302351986459679/?comment_id=1302550736439804&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R0%22%7D Conversation about freezing fruit on MTF. 05/10/2016.]</ref>. Defrost frozen fruit in the microwave or in the fridge over night. The fruit doesn't necessarily have to come all the way up to cellaring or room temperature. Adding frozen fruit without thawing it first is probably fine as well. The beer and frozen fruit will come back up to ambient temperatures over night <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1215622131799332/?comment_id=1215820848446127&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D Conversation with Devin Bell on MTF. 01/17/2016.]</ref>.* '''Pureed fresh''' - pureeing fresh fruit has the benefit of extracting the fruit flavor faster. It also sinks to the bottom of the fermenter <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1172395836121962/?comment_id=1172413292786883&offset=0&total_comments=10&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R4%22%7D Conversation with Dara McMains on MTF regarding puree. 11/1/2015.]</ref>, so the problem of floating whole fruit is avoided. Puree can be difficult to rack the beer off of, and more beer may be lost compared to using whole fruit (see [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2225127047515497/ this MTF thread] for tips on filtering out or racking off of puree as a homebrewer). Some brewers choose to heat pasteurize freshly made puree. * '''Aseptic puree''' - Same as "Pureed Fresh", but has already been pasteurized. This is usually the case for commercially available puree. We recommend [http://www.oregonfruit.com/specialty-fruit-products Oregon Specialty Fruit], [https://www.perfectpuree.com/ The Perfect Puree], or [https://ititropicals.com iTi Tropicals] for quality commercial puree. These purees often have antioxidants such as citric and absorbic acids, cane sugar, and other juices added to them <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1308527842508760/?comment_id=1308584599169751&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R1%22%7D Conversation with Ehren Schmidt about Perfect Purees having cane sugar and acids added to them on MTF. 05/18/2016.]</ref>. Check the ingredients list of any product before ordering it. Much like fresh purees, aseptic purees or pulps may result in a fair amount of volume loss at packaging, and some puree making it into the final package can be problematic for gushing (see [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2225127047515497/ this MTF thread] for tips on filtering out or racking off of puree as a homebrewer) <ref name='Adi mango pulp discussion'>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1234801133214765/ Adi mango pulp discussion]</ref>. See the [http://www.oregonfruit.com/fruit-brewing/category/brewing-with-fruit/brewing-faq Oregon Fruit webpage] for tips on usage amounts and how to use puree for brewing (they recommend 1/2 to 2 pounds of puree per gallon of finished beer). [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1976299465731591/ Evan Coppage demonstrates how to use a tri clover compatible clamp to more easily open a bag of Oregon Fruit puree.]* '''Concentrates and extracts''' - Concentrates can lose aromatics due to the process, and are generally not as recommended. However, some manufacturers such as Kings Orchards uses a process that reintroduces the aroma back into the concentrate <ref name="kohlmorgen">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1167993543228858/?comment_id=1168045469890332&offset=0&total_comments=25&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R4%22%7D Conversation with Kyle Kohlmorgen on MTF regarding fruit. 10/23/2015.]</ref>. Other manufacturers have been reported to produce high quality concentrates, such as Coloma. Some brewers use concentrates/extracts blended with puree or whole fruit. See [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1955721414456063/ this MTF thread] for a discussion on the benefits of using concentrates. Extracts tend to be more singular in flavor, and combining different extracts from different companies has been suggested (or blending extract with real fruit/puree to help boost the flavor of certain fruits such as blueberries). Concentrates can increase the alcohol concentration in beer that it is added to more so than other forms of fruit because of the removal of most of the water naturally found in progressthe fruit during the production of the concentrate; taking a brix reading of the concentrate with a refractometer or hydrometer and using brewing software to calculate the increase in alcohol can be a way to estimate this increase.* '''Juice''' - Make sure there is no sugar or preservatives added <ref name="kohlmorgen"></ref>. R.W. Knudsen and Lakewood Organic brand juices have been recommended if available <ref name="Coffey_pomegranate">[http://www.alesoftheriverwards.com/2015/11/pomegranate-margarita-gose.html Pomegranate Margarita Gose. Ale of the Riverwards Blog. Ed Coffey. 11/13/2015. Retrieved 11/19/2015.]</ref><ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1247842675243944/ MTF Thread on Lakewood Juice. 03/07/2016.]</ref>. Juice ferments out faster than whole fruit. This gives the advantage of being able to add a little bit at a time to the secondary fermenter, and being able to add to taste. * '''Dried/Dehydrated''' - Try to make sure they are oil-free. Oils can be considered a processing aid, and don't have to be listed on the ingredients list. Sulfur dioxide amounts used in dried fruits is diluted enough to not have a great inhibitory effect, and sulfured dried fruits are safe to use. See also [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1977519058942965/?comment_id=1978024728892398&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R1%22%7D this post by Gail Ann Williams on the benefits of using dried apricots]. Dried fruit can potentially increase the alcohol more so than other forms of fruit because the drying of the fruit removes the water. * '''Zest''' - the zest (outer layer) of citrus fruit is often used in beer. It is often added to the end of the boil, but tinctures can also be made and added after or during fermentation, or citrus zest can be added to the beer directly. * '''Frozen''' - Many [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2078296595531877/ exotic fruits] are available at world markets in frozen format. See also:* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2818147458213450/ MTF thread on leads to machines that remove pits/stones from fruit for commercial breweries.] ===Prefermenting, Brining, and Other Pre-processing Methods===:''Editor's note: This section was written by Matt Firetto and reviewed by Jeffrey Airman and Dr. Bryan Heit.''====Overview of Fermented Fruits====Performing a fermentation before introducing fruit to a beer can help provide more complex fruit flavors, and in many cases create new savory flavors not found in the raw fruit. Some of the most common fruit based fermented products are simple salt based "Lacto-fermentations" (pickling). These fermentations utilize naturally occurring ''Lactobacillus'' and other microbes on the fruits skin to ferment the fruit, while the salt helps to reduce yeast activity (both fermentative and oxidative yeast) and other harmful spoiling microbes. A common method calls for simply salting fruit at a rate of 2% by weight (20 grams salt for 1kg fruit) <ref>[https://www.splendidtable.org/recipes/lacto-blueberries René Redzepi and David Zilber. "Lacto Blueberries". The Splendid Table blog. Excerpted from The Noma Guide to Fermentation. 2018. Retrieved 05/18/2019.]</ref><ref>Dr. Bryan Heit. Private correspondence with Dan Pixley. 05/18/2019.]</ref>. General best practices for food based "Lacto-fermentations" should be followed such as: even salt distribution, minimizing oxygen contact with fruit, and fermentation temperatures at or slightly above room temperature. If the fruit does not release water to create a natural brine, a brine solution can be made to help ensure a more even distribution of salt and create a lack of oxygen in the fermentation vessel. Common fruits utilized for "Lacto-fermentations" include lemons, blueberries, cherries, pineapple, gooseberries, plums etc. Other spices or herbs can also be used to add additional flavors during fermentation. Similar to a brine, another method documented in "The Noma Guide to Fermentation" utilizes a honey/water/salt solution with fruit to produce a ''Lactobacillus'' fermented syrup flavored with fruit and/or spices <ref>[https://www.workman.com/products/the-noma-guide-to-fermentation "The Noma Guide to Fermentation". René Redzepi and David Zilber. Workman Publishing. October 16th, 2018.]</ref>. ====Resources For Fermented Fruits====[https://www.workman.com/products/the-noma-guide-to-fermentation "The Noma Guide to Fermentation" by René Redzepi and David Zilber] includes detailed information on how to perform "Lacto-fermentations" and other fruit/vegetable based ferments. This book provides a general framework and guidelines that can work for a variety of fruits, with a focus on creating new flavors and experimenting rather than an exhaustive list of recipes. [https://www.wildfermentation.com/the-art-of-fermentation/ Sandor Katz] has also written several books on home fermentation that provide detailed information on a wide variety of fermented products including fermented fruits. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/143258836399455/ The Ferment All Things Facebook group] includes many posts of various fermented fruits and vegetables, and is a good source for ideas and guidance. ====Concerns When Utilizing Pre-fermented Fruits====High salt content is one of the main concerns when utilizing "Lacto-fermented" fruit products, especially when used at the higher end of recommended fruiting rates. Some fermented fruits (ex Moroccan style preserved lemons) can have a significant amount of residual salt in the final product. Excess salt can be removed by simply washing off excess salt <ref name="Airman_MeadHouse">[http://www.themeadhouse.com/podcast/mead-house-episode-109/ Jeffrey Airman. The Mead House Episode 109. Retrieved 05/18/2019.]</ref>, or by soaking the fruit for a short time in clean water. Fermented fruit products can have a significantly different flavor profile compared to raw fruit, so fruiting levels may need to be adjusted depending on the intensity of the fermented fruit product and base beer.Due to the wild and spontaneous nature of these types of ferments, various wild yeast and bacteria are typically present. Depending on a beer's residual sugars, these microbes may or may not be a concern. If this is a concern, fermented fruit can be heat pasteurized or frozen to help reduce the potential for these microbes to alter the beer <ref name="Airman_MeadHouse" />. If fermented fruits are introduced early in a beer fermentation, the overall yeast/bacteria character of the beer fermentation can be impacted. ====Other Alternative Processing and Fermentation Methods====* Jamil Zainasheff recommends fermenting the fruit into a fruit wine using a ''S. cerevisiae'' strain in a separate fermenter. Doing so allows for a fast fermentation since fruit consists of mostly simple sugars, and allows the brewer to blend the fermented fruit wine into the finished beer at the desired proportions. This reportedly can produce "brighter" fruit character than fermenting fruit in sour beer for a longer period of time. The fruit would have to be in liquid format, and high sugar fruits such as wine grapes might need to be diluted with water first in order to ensure a quick fermentation. See comments by Zainasheff in [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/4183221418372707 this MTF thread] for more details. * Caramelization of fruit juices, smoking, spontaneous or kombucha based pre-fermentation, and other culinary inspired methods can also be used to help transform fruit. Paradox Beer Co's Pineapple Upside down sour was created using a candi syrup created from pineapple juice raised to a PH of around 6 with baking soda to increase the maillard effect and provide a more intense long lasting caramelized flavor <ref name="Airman_MeadHouse" />. ====Related Milk the Funk Facebook Group Posts and Other Links====* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2410834822278051/ Jeffery Airman of Paradox Brewing discussed some of these methods and comments include ideas and experience from others.]* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2644816718879859/ Brian Detweiler posted about "Lacto-fermented" blueberries and others provide examples of fermented fruits used in beers.]* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2727227413972122/ Addressing concerns of too much salt when used in beer.]* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1335647439796800/ DeWayne Schaaf posted about Umezuke (Japanese salt preserved plums).]* [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1yQ9m6-JUCwzkeDjd6bPyKU9B4Lc2M6acfGxxLyCA9OI/edit?usp=sharing Examples of fermented fruits in beers (Google Doc).]*[https://www.escarpmentlabs.com/single-post/2019/12/10/Fermented-hot-sauce-keep-kahm-ferment-on Escarpment Labs blog article on kahm yeast.]* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/3795398910488295 MTF thread by Morgan Grant McGaha on using carbonic maceration for fruit before adding to beer.]* [[Wine|Carbonic maceration]]* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/4232732406754941/ Thread about instant haze formation when blending wine with sour beer, and what to do to clear it.] ==Fruit varieties and usage suggestions=====Specific notes on select fruit varieties===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
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! Fruit !! Juice !! Concentrate !! Purée !! Dried !! Whole !! Contact Time* !! NotesCommercial Examples|-| Apple || || || 0.5 lb/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> || || 1-2 lb/gal <ref name="aiden_apples">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1319104571451087/?comment_id=1319236814771196&reply_comment_id=1319237028104508&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R7%22%7D Conversation with Aiden Robert Jönsson regarding using apples on MTF. 06/01/2016.] </ref> || 6-8 weeks |||-| Apricot || || || 0.75 lbs/gal<ref name='Jester King on the Sour Hour pt. 2'>[http://www.thebrewingnetwork.com/the-sour-hour-episode-15/ Sour Hour episode 15 - Jester King pt. 2]</ref> (~56 minutes in)|| || 1-2.5 lbs/gal || 6-8 weeks || 300 g/l (2.5 lbs/gal) Cantillon Fou Foune - 2/3 pits, 1/3 unpitted - max 8 weeks contact time <ref name="sigesmund">Private conversation between Jean Van Roy and Richard Sigesmund.</ref>|-| Autumn Olive (Autumn Fruit) || || || 1-1.5 lbs/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> || || 2 lbs/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> || 6-8 weeks |||-| Blackcurrant || 24-36 fl oz/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> || 14oz - 20 oz of [http://www.currantc.com CurrantC™ concentrate] for 5 gallons of beer <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1167993543228858/?comment_id=2522669391094593&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D Brian stephens. MTF Thread on fruit usage for black currants concentrate. 02/20/2019.]</ref> || || || || 3 weeks juice/6-8 weeks whole || |-| Blackberry || || || || || 0.7-3 lbs/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> || 6-8 weeks || 350 g/l (2.9 lb/gal) Tilquin Mure|-| Blueberry || || || || || 2<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1353144968047047/ Steve R on MTF facebook page]</ref>-3 lbs/gal || 6-8 weeks || |-| Cantaloupe || || || 0.5 lb/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> || || || 6-8 weeks |||-| Cascara || || || || ~1 oz/gal <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2270027496358785/?comment_id=2270373496324185&reply_comment_id=2270657979629070&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%2315%22%7D Steve Brockman. Milk The Funk Facebook thread on cascara usage. 09/06/2018.]</ref> || || 3 days || |-| Cherry (tart or sweet) || 12-24 fl oz/gal || 4-8 fl oz/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1167993543228858/ Conversation on MTF about adding fruit to sour beer. 10/23/2015.]</ref> || 2+ lb/gal <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1627340363960838/?comment_id=1627422790619262&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R1%22%7D Zinn, Andrew. Milk The Funk Facebook group. 03/26/2017.]</ref> || 0.5-1.5 lbs/gal <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1214254845269394/ MTF Thread by Eccentric Beekeeper on using dried cherries. 01/16/2016.]</ref> || 1-3.3 lbs/gal || 3 weeks juice/6-8 weeks whole <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref>. Lambic brewers/blenders sometimes age longer (6-12 months)<ref name="raf_cherries">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1643348419026699/?comment_id=1643459055682302&reply_comment_id=1643490195679188&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R3%22%7D Raf Soef. Milk The Funk Facebook group. 04/08/2017.]</ref> || 200 g/l (1.67 lbs/gal) Cantillon Kriek, 300 g/l (2.5 lbs/gal) Cantillon Lou Pepe Kriek, Oud Beersel Oude Kriek, 400 g/l (3.33 lb/gal)
|-
| Tart Cherry Clementine || || || 0.5 || || 1 lb/gal <ref name="MTF_Threadeisenberg_thread">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1217483298279882/ Conversation with Derek Springer, Murray Sharp, Steve Holat, Brandon Jones, and Dara McMains on MTF. 01/21/2016.]</ref> || || 1-2 lbs5 weeks <ref name="eisenberg_thread"></gal ref> || 6-8 weeks || Leave pits in if possible.
|-
| Raspberry Coconut || || || || || 1-2 lbs/gal || 6-8 weeks ||
|-
| Apricot Cranberry || 32 fl oz/5 gal <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1180202708674608/?comment_id=1180204098674469&reply_comment_id=1180204535341092&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R8%22%7D Conversation with James Sites on cranberry juice on MTF. 11/17/2015.]</ref>|| || || || 1 lb/gal <ref name="carver_cranberry">[https://docs.google.com/document/d/1eS22xBkquX4T9-jy-AWqKPyQadJSz-wfoK4rF6twHsg/edit?usp=sharing Conversation with Dustin Carver on MTF for cranberry usage. 11/16/2015.]</ref> || 6-8 weeks |||-| Elderberry || || || 0.5 lbs/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref><ref name="karnowski_elderrberry" /> || || || 6-8 weeks || |-| Fig || || || || 0.25 lbs/gal || 1-2 lbs/gal (cooked or caramelized) <ref name="MTF_Thread_figs">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2086454571382746/ Various MTF members. Milk The Funk Facebook thread on figs. 05/08/2018.]</ref> || 4 weeks || [https://www.allagash.com/beer/bijoux/?ao_confirm Allagash Bijoux (2 lbs per gallon)]|-| Fuyu Persimmon || || || 2.5 lbs/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> || || || 12 weeks <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> || |-| Goldenberry (ground cherry) || || || || || 2 lbs/gal for subtle flavor, 4-5 lbs/gal for strong flavor <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1976220929072778/?comment_id=1977118012316403&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D Justin Amaral. Milk The Funk Facebook thread about goldenberry amounts. 02/04/2018.]</ref> || 6-8 weeks || |-| Grape (Table) || || || || || || || |-| Grape (Wine) || || || || || 2-3 lbs/gallon || || 300 g/l (2.5 lbs/gal) Cantillon St. Lamvinus and Vigneronne|-| Grapefruit || 3.5-5.5 fl oz/gal <ref name="eisenberg_thread"></ref> || || || || || || |-| Guava || || || 1-2 lbs/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> || || || 6-8 weeks || |-| Honeydew melon || || || 2-3 lbs/gal <ref name="honeydew">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2336273826400818/ Joshua Martinez, Sam Bates, John Rowley and Nathan Rice . Milk The Funk Facebook group thread on honeydew melon usage. 10/26/2018.]</ref> || || 4 lbs/gal <ref name="honeydew" /> || 3-4 weeks || |-| Key Lime || 100mL/gal <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1217483298279882/?comment_id=1217486538279558&reply_comment_id=1217504021611143&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R5%22%7D Conversation with Richard Preiss on MTF regarding key lime juice. 01/21/2016.]</ref> || || || || || Added as priming sugar at bottling || |-| Kiwi || || || || || 2 lbs/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> || 6-8 weeks || |-| Kumquat || || || || || 0.25-0.60 lbs/gal <ref name="eisenberg_thread"></ref> || 6-8 weeks || |-| Loquat || || || || || 2 lbs/gal || 6-8 weeks || |-| Mango || || || || || 18 fl oz / gal <ref name='Adi mango pulp discussion'/> (note that this resulted in significant loss of beer volume); 2 lbs/gal. 0.6 lbs/gal for entire fruit (pit, peel, etc.) <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1167993543228858/?comment_id=2523753730986159&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D Kyle B Pearce. MTF thread on using mango. 02/20/2019.]</ref> || 6-8 weeks ||
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| Nectarine || || || || || 1-2 lbs/gal || 6-8 weeks ||
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| Strawberry Olallieberries || || || || || 3 pounds per gallon (maybe on the higher side but good)<ref name="MTF thread Trey">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1134131069948439/ MTF_Thread by Trey Rabinek]</ref> <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1176386925722853/ MTF follow up by Trey Rabinek]</ref>|| 2 months <ref name="MTF thread Trey"></ref> || |-| Passion Fruit || || 250-500mL per 5 gal <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1466272273400982/?comment_id=1466277133400496&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D Conversation about passion fruit concentrate on MTF. 11/11/2016.]</ref> || 0.5-1.0 lb/gal <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2064185510276319/?comment_id=2064192346942302&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R1%22%7D Steve Haumschild, Neil Caron, and John Rowley. Milk The Funk Facebook thread on passionfruit puree. 04/18/2018.]</ref> || || 0.5-1 lbs/gal <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1466272273400982/?comment_id=1467196853308524&reply_comment_id=1467826069912269&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R0%22%7D Conversation with Allen Stone on passion fruit usage. 11/12/2016.]</ref><ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1167488763279336/?comment_id=1167496586611887&offset=0&total_comments=5&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R0%22%7D Conversation with Manny Jannes and Kristopher Johnson (Green Bench brewer) on passion fruit additions on MTF. 10/22/2015.]</ref> || 6-8 weeks |||-| Paw Paw (pawpaw) || || || || || >1 lb/gal (flesh only) <ref name="MTF Paw Paw Thread">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1400852799942930/ MTF Paw Paw thread from 8-Sept-2016]</ref> || > 2 weeks (at ~1lb/gal)<ref name="MTF Paw Paw Thread"/>|| |-| Peach || || || 0.5-2 lb/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> || || 1-2-3 lbs/gal || 6-8 weeks ||
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| Blueberry Pear || || || || || 2-3 lbs/gal || 6-8 weeks ||
|-
| Elderberry [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dried_lime Persian Lime (loomi/dried lime/black lime)] || || || 0|| ~1 lime per gallon, or less <ref>[https://www.facebook.5 lbscom/gal groups/MilkTheFunk/posts/1498579683503574/?comment_id=1498669483494594&reply_comment_id=1498932056801670 Conversation with Caroline Whalen Taggart on MTF regarding Persian limes. 12/06/2016.]</ref><ref name="MTF_Thread">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/11679935432288581678989055462635/ Conversation Tips from various brewers on using black lime on MTF about adding fruit to sour beer. 1005/2307/20152017.]</ref> || || || One quarter added during boil, rest added to secondary for 6-8 weeks (or all added to late boil, or all added to secondary) || [http://www.uprightbrewing.com/uploads/9/1/9/6/9196638/saison_vert_with_label.pdf Upright Brewing Saison Vert].
|-
| Plum Pineapple || 1.36 - 2 litres per 20 litres of beer (Dole sugarless)<ref>Richard Sigesmund. Private correspondence with Dan Pixley. 10/06/2020.</ref> || || 2 lbs/gal (skins on)<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1167993543228858/?comment_id=4676369612391216 Lars Meiner. Milk The Funk Facebook group post about pineapple usage. 06/06/2021.]</ref> || || 2-3 lbs1 pineapple/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> || 6-8 weeks ||
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| Peach Plum || || || 0.5|| || 2-2 lb3 lbs/gal <ref name="MTF_ThreadMTF Plum Thread">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1406234156071461/ MTF thread about plums, 14-Sept-2016]</ref> || || Some prefer shorter contact (1-2 lbsweeks) and higher rate, others suggest longer contact (3+ months) and lower fruiting rates<ref name="MTF Plum Thread"/gal > || 6250g/l (2 lbs/gallon) Tilquin Quetsche (contact time of 4 months)<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=960118040712844&id=124028207655169 Tilquin Facebook Post 22-8 weeks || Sept-15]</ref>
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| Rhubarb Pomegranate || || || 0.5 lb8-13 fl oz/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> <ref>[http://www.alesoftheriverwards.com/2015/11/pomegranate-margarita-gose.html Ale of the Riverwards Blog by Ed Coffey, Pomegranate Margarita Gose. 11/13/2015.]</ref> || || || || || 6-8 weeks ||
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| Prickly Pear || || || 0.5 lb/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> || || || 6-8 weeks ||
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| Guava Quince || || || || || 1-2 lbslb/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> || || || 6-8 weeks ||
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| Grape Raspberry || || || || || 1-2.5 lbs/gal || 6-8 weeks ||200 g/l (1.67 lbs/gal) Cantillon Rose de Gambrinus, 300 g/l (2.5 lbs/gal) Cantillon Lou Pepe Framboise
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| Zante Currant || Rhubarb || || || 0.25-1.0.4 lbslb/gal || || 4-8 months <ref name="MTF_Thread" /><ref>[httphttps://russianriverbrewingwww.facebook.com/brewsgroups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/consecration1712572182104322/ Russian River Consecration Description?match=d2lraQ%3D%3D Mitch Ermatinger, Brian King, Matt Kent. Retrieved 10Milk The Funk Facebook group post. 06/2108/20152017.]</ref> || || || 6-8 weeks ||
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| Passion Fruit Rose Hips || || || || || 1-1.5 lbs2oz/gal 5gal (flameout) <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/11674887632793361816234355071437/?comment_id=11674965866118871816259981735541&offsetreply_comment_id=0&total_comments=51816274978400708&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R022R2%22%7D Conversation with Manny Jannes and Kristopher Johnson (Green Bench brewer) Tim Borket. Milk The Funk post on passion fruit additions on MTFrose hips usage. 1009/2206/20152017.]</ref> || 6-8 weeks || When using whole fruit, use pulp only.bottling time (secondary) ||
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| Autumn Olive (Autumn Fruit) Salmonberries || || || 1-1.5 lbs/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> || || 2 1 lbs/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1214299498598262/ MTF thread by Kyle Hammock. 01/15/2016.]</ref> || 6-8 weeks || found in eastern US
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| Pomegranate Sea Buckthorn || 2-8 fl ozgrams/gal liter of fruit before juicing <ref name="MTF_Threadsea_buckthorn">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1804936939534512/ MTF tips by Brett Ellis and Stephen Andrews on Sea Buckthorn usage. 08/29/2017.]</ref> || || || || || 6-8 weeks ||
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| Pineapple || || Strawberry || || || 0.5-1 pineapplelbs/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> || || 2-3 lbs/gal || 6-8 weeks || Chopped; leave skin out
|-
| Cantaloupe Strawberry Guava || || || 0.5 lb || || 3 lbs/gal (blend down if needed) <ref name="MTF_ThreadHaumschild">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1811061732255366/?comment_id=1811610545533818&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R1%22%7D Steve Haumschild on strawberry guava usage. Milk The Funk. 09/04/2017.]</ref> || || || 6-8 weeks || Lanikai Brewing Company's Forever Summer. Strawberry guava is added on hot side when other fruits are used, or cold side when not. Remove seeds and skin <ref name="Haumschild" />.
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| Prickly Pear || || || 0.5 lb/gal Vanilla Fruit (Beans) <ref name="MTF_Threadvanilla1">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1501875539840655/ MTF thread recommendations by Nathan Peck, James Sites, Justin Amaral, Dustin Carver, and Rodney Beagle. 12/8/2016.]</ref> || || (Extract) 2 teaspoons/5 gal || || 6(Whole pods) 1/2-8 weeks 2 beans per 5 gal || || || Rare Barrel Home Sour Home
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| Apple Watermelon || || || 0.5 lb40-64 fl oz/gal <ref name="MTF_Thread"></ref> <ref name="Morley_Watermelon">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1465293530165523/?comment_id=1466323776729165&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R0%22%7D Conversation with Thomas Morley about watermelon usage. 11/12/2016.]</ref> || || || || || 6-8 weeks || Jester King Hibernal Dichotomous (12% watermelon juice <ref name="jester_king_watermelon"></ref>), and another beer rumored to use 30% fresh watermelon juice <ref name="Morley_Watermelon"></ref>.
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| Watermelon Yuzu (citrus) || 64 fl 1-5 oz/gal 5gal <ref name="MTF_Threadyuzu">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1222251547803057/?comment_id=1222252911136254&reply_comment_id=1222304061131139&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R1%22%7D Conversation with Matt Bing and Dennis Lovelock on MTF. 01/28/2016.]</ref><ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1308059292555615/ Conversation with Doug Stallard on MTF. 05/17/2016.]</ref> || || || || ~2 lbs/5 gal <ref name="yuzu"></ref> || 6-8 weeks Added at packaging ||
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| Loquat || Zante Currant || 5-10 fl oz/gal || || || 0.2 -0.4 lbs/gal || 6|| 4-8 weeks months <ref>[http://russianriverbrewing.com/brews/consecration/ Russian River Consecration Description. Retrieved 10/21/2015.]</ref> || Leave out pits.
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|}
==Removing fruit==(In Progress)Once your fruit beer has reached the character you desire, you will want to remove the beer to a packaging/further aging vessel or to a final package while leaving the fruit behind. Depending on the type and form of fruit you used, this can be a challenging task. Juices should not present a problem and purees will generally settle out. Larger chunks or whole fruits (fresh, frozen, or dried) may be more easily avoidable however some fruits, such as raspberries, tend to disintegrate and can be especially troublesome. Link to [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1231243200237225/ this MTF post] ==Filtering and Removing Haze==Over time, most beer will clear eventually. However, there are methods for clearing fruited beer quicker and perhaps to a greater degree than natural conditioning.===Filtering===Some types of fruit and/or brewing systems may require filtering. One option is to use a filter, such as a [http://www.gwkent.com/lenticular-filter-housing.html GW Kent Lenticular Filter Housing], a [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1885713198123552/?comment_id=1885813361446869&reply_comment_id=1886002331427972&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D steel housing bag filter] (see also [https://www.gwkent.com/sanitary-bag-filter-2.html this bag filter from GW Kent]), or an [https://www.brewershardware.com/Wort-Strainers/ inline filter]. If a filter like this is going to be used as the primary filter, it is advised to use two that can be split off so that one can be cleaned while the other continues to run (see [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1819872038041002/?comment_id=1819878638040342&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R9%22%7D this MTF thread showing Casey Brewing's setup]). [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1753001588061381/?comment_id=1753144258047114 Brandon Jones of Yazoo Brewing Co. uses a stainless steel scrubby] secured by a stainless worm clamp on the end of a bulldog for racking fruited beer (only good for a few barrels; he recommends a more robust filter for larger operations) <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1753001588061381/?comment_id=1753144258047114 Brandon Jones. Milk The Funk Facebook thread on filtering beer out of barrels. 07/11/2017.]</ref>. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2261892863838915/ Marek Mahut extended this idea] by putting the scrubby into the site glass <nowikiref>*[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2261892863838915/ Marek Mahut. Milk The Funk Facebook thread on filtering fruit from beer. 08/31/2018.]</nowikiref> Contact time . [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2369428343085366/ Chad Ramey adapted this method] for the homebrew scale using a homebrew-sized stainless racking cane. Fruit can also be bagged in a mesh bag to help with filtering. [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2396394180388782/?comment_id=2398607470167453&reply_comment_id=2398929460135254&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D Gabe Slagle reported good results with fitting a homebrew-sized mash tun false bottom lined with a gasket] into the bottom of his conical fermenters as a way to filter fruit, with the only downside being that he has to shovel the fruit out through the manway (he also recommeneded using an inline filter to catch smaller debree). On a homebrew level, using any system that is designed to filter dry hops from the fermenter should also work for mixed fermentations with filtering fruit. Examples include using a fine mesh bag on either the receiving or exiting end of a siphon, using a 300 micron stainless steel [https://utahbiodieselsupply.com/brewingfilters.php "Dry Hopper for Glass Carboys"] which fits over the receiving end of most homebrew auto-siphons, or a [Brettanomyceshttp://www.homebrewing.org/Corny-Keg-Dip-Tube-Screen_p_2091.html corny keg dip tube screen](also fits on steel racking canes <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1815435371818002/?comment_id=1815447721816767&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D Matthew Smylie. Thread on MTF about filtering fruit. 09/08/2017.]</ref>). Kettle sours or beers Filtering may not remove haze from pectin. Some brewers believe that do not contain live ''Brettpectinase can help with getting the fruit to separate from the beer <ref name="Loijos_Sites">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1377477275613816/?comment_id=1378484418846435&reply_comment_id=1378916612136549&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R3%22%7D Conversation with Alex Loijos and James Sites on pectinase usage. 08/17/2016.]</ref>. Fruit can also be bagged in a mesh bag to help with filtering if the fermenter's opening is wide enough to accomidate it (non-carboy shaped fermenters). See also:* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1799332343428305/?comment_id=1799608086734064&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R9%22%7D Nate Ferguson' s guide to filters for commercial brewers (pending an actual write up for the wiki)].* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2423419921019541/ MTF thread on designing fruiting tanks with filters/false bottoms.] ===Removing Haze===Different types of fruit contain differing levels of pectin, which cause haze. One option, and perhaps the preferred option for both commercial and homebrewers, is to use pectic enzyme (more formally called [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pectinase pectinase]). Pectic enzyme is available from brewing supply retailers and is available in both powdered and liquid format. The liquid format tends to be easier to use, and requires less of it to work. Add the pectic enzyme when adding the fruit (before re-fermentation of the fruit) if possible, but the pectic enzyme can have be added after the fruit ferments as well. Pectic enzyme is sensitive to ethyl alcohol, so a 50-100% increase in the dosage that the manufacturer recommends may be needed when adding it to an alcoholic beverage. Using this much shorter pectic enzyme should not contribute a flavor difference or impact the health safety of the beer. The beer should clear in a matter of weeks at the most <ref name="MTF_Haze">[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1285510701477141/?comment_id=1285524264809118&reply_comment_id=1285545981473613&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R%22%7D Conversation with James Sites and Nick Moench on MTF. 04/15/2016.]</ref>. Some brewers believe that the use of pectinase also helps improve the quality of the fruit contact time (generally flavor <ref name="Loijos_Sites"></ref>. Another option is to try to use [https://bsgcraftbrewing.com/biofine-clear-1-2 weeks)l BSG Biofine® Clear] after the beer has fully extracted the fruit. All contact times are assumed Be sure to cold crash the beer down as close to be applied 0°C as possible when using this product. Use a higher dosage if the beer is not clarifying. This product should produce clear beer in secondarymost circumstances, however, there have been reports of it not clearing up pectic haze <ref>[https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1285510701477141/?comment_id=1285527084808836&comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22R3%22%7D Conversation with Ehren Schmidt and at the end of agingDaniel Addey Jibb on MTF. 04/16/2016.]</ref>. See also:* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/592560317438853/?multi_permalinks=4867859459908896 MTF thread on how to use pectic enzyme.]* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/2395599950468205/ MTF thread on mixing fruit wine with sour beers, which creates a oddly thick protein precipitation effect, possibly due to ellagitannins.]
==See Also==
===Additional Articles on MTF Wiki===
* [[Soured Herb, Spice, and Vegetable Beer]]
* [[Glycosides#Cyanogenic_Glycosides|Cyanide in Plants]]
* [[Barrel]]
===External Resources=== * [https://offers.my-vb.com/fr/livre-blanc-de-la-fruitologie-integral "The Book of Fruitology - full version The Book of Fruitology".]* [https://offers.my-vb.com/en-us/download-beer-usage-table Boiron's Fruit Brewing Guide.]* [http://www.brsquared.org/wine/CalcInfo/FruitDat.htm Table of fruits with starting gravities, TA, pH, and tannin.]* [http://phenol-explorer.eu/foods Phenol Explorer website for various foods.]* [http://foodsafety.wisc.edu/business_food/files/approximate_ph.pdf Approximate pH of some fruits and vegetables.]* [http://embracethefunk.com/2012/05/14/icu-measurements-advice-from-hill-farmstead/ Shaun Hill's advise on using International Citrus Units to measure fruit additions.]* [http://beerandwinejournal.com/fruit-table/ Beer and Wine Journal Table of Fruits with water, sugar, and acid percentage.]* [http://www.thefruitpages.com/contents.shtml Another table of water and sugar percentages of various fruits.]* [http://www.ag-usa.net/brix_test_meaning.htm Brix readings of different fruits.]* [http://www.aqua-calc.com/calculate/food-volume-to-weight Food Volume to Weight Conversions (assisting with determining volume displacement of fruit).]* [http://www.craftcommander.com/brewing/2016/6/21/fruit-refermentation Tips from Chad Yakobson of Crooked Stave, Walt Dickinson of Wicked Weed, and Jeffrey Stuffings of Jester King.]* [https://www.facebook.com/groups/MilkTheFunk/permalink/1456770341017842/ MTF Thread on adding wine to beer (homebrew).]* [http://funkfactorybrewing.blogspot.com/2016/11/punch-down-beer.html "Punch Down Beer", blog article on Funk Factory Guezeria on fruiting in an upright barrel and punching down the fruit.]* [http://sourbeerblog.com/a-guide-to-blending-sour-beer-with-fruit/ "A Guide to Blending Sour Beer With Fruit" by Matt Miller; includes ABV and TA calculators for fruit additions.]* [http://dev.bjcp.org/newsletter/entering-sour-fruit-beers/ Gordon Strong's article on which category to enter fruited "Berliner Weisse", "lambic", and sour beers into BJCP competitions.]* [https://www.ttb.gov/formulation/which-alcohol-beverages-require-formula-approval-beer-and-malt-beverages-mbev TTB Approval Formulation wizard.]* [https://www.homebrewersassociation.org/seminar/fruit-fruit-fruit-a-practical-guide-to-modern-fruit-brewing-techniques/ "Fruit, Fruit, Fruit! A Practical Guide to Modern Fruit Brewing Techniques" by Bret Kollmann Baker from Urban Artifact at HomebrewCon 2023.]
==References==
[[Category:Styles]]
[[Category:Ingredients]]