How long can I wait before pitching yeast?

Cider
1

Hi folks - I have about 5 gallons of fresh pressed juice that I did this past Saturday. My plan was to add the sulfites and let it sit for 24 hours per usual before pitching yeast. However - I now need to head out of town for 5 days.

Im wondering - can I do the Sulfites tonight to kill the natural yeast and then just let it sit in the fridge while Im gone? Im worried that if I let it sit too long as it is that I might start getting some natural fermentation. Would there be any adverse affects of adding sulfites now and pitching the yeast when I get back in 5 days?

2

It would have been best to add the sulfites right away and pitch after 24hrs or so, but adding the sulfites now and pitching when you get home will probably be fine.

1 Like
3

You could also freeze the juice until you get back… I personally wouldn’t pitch the yeast right before I was going to leave for five days in case the primary ferment goes really fast, which it often does if it’s as hot as it’s been this October.

2 Likes