Blueberry wheat

scooter · Post by **scooter** » Thu Oct 23, 2008 7:43 pm

Hi all
I had 3 gallons of frozen blueberries given to me and I would like to make a blueberry wheat beer. I’m looking for any 5 gal all grain recipe ideas? Also is it better to add the berries in the primary or secondary fermentation? And will I have to do anything to, add anything to the berries to get rid of any wild yeast?
Thanks,
Scooter

JerCraigs · Post by **JerCraigs** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 10:15 am

I have not done a fruit but most versions I have read involve putting it in the secondary. My understanding is that putting it in the primary will lose some of the fruit character due to all the activity of fermenting. If they are frozen I don't think you need to worry too much about wild stuff, but I am not sure.

Rob Creighton · Post by **Rob Creighton** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 10:35 am

scooter wrote:Hi all
I had 3 gallons of frozen blueberries given to me and I would like to make a blueberry wheat beer. I’m looking for any 5 gal all grain recipe ideas? Also is it better to add the berries in the primary or secondary fermentation? And will I have to do anything to, add anything to the berries to get rid of any wild yeast?
Thanks,
Scooter

Put them in the secondary. Heat the berries to 80 degrees and then cool them down. Make sure all the berries are crushed - you want what is inside. Transfer the fermented beer on top of the berries and then let it sit in the fridge. Have fun.

JerCraigs · Post by **JerCraigs** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 10:39 am

Why in the fridge?

Rob Creighton · Post by **Rob Creighton** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 11:02 am

JerCraigs wrote:Why in the fridge?

Fermentation is done, you're transferring off of the yeast which is a good thing. Let the berries infuse with the finished beer while the yeast settles in a cold, quiet, dark environment. Much less chance of funky things happening at room temperature. If you're looking for a big alcohol boost from the fruit then you're into a different game.

JerCraigs · Post by **JerCraigs** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 11:18 am

Would you need to repitch yeast prior to bottling then to get it carbonated or would there be enough left to get it going again?

scooter · Post by **scooter** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 11:39 am

Thanks for the responses.
I force carbonate in kegs so bottling is not an issue. I’m assuming the sugars in the berries will ferment and I’m looking for a light blueberry taste not high alcohol beer. So for a 5 gal batch of beer how much of the blueberries should I use?

The_Jester · Post by **The_Jester** » Fri Oct 24, 2008 7:01 pm

scooter wrote: . . . So for a 5 gal batch of beer how much of the blueberries should I use?

Sam Calagione says to add 10 pounds at the end of your boil. Seems like a lot, but who am I to question the Master?

The Bar Towel

Blueberry wheat

Blueberry wheat

Re: Blueberry wheat