Adding acid to WOWs

[matjam]

Hi all,

I'm new to all this but have started an Apple WOW in a gallon DJ.

I'm planning on starting a grapefruit one and a pomegranate one soon - I've got the ingredients :thumb:

My question is do I need to add acid to the pomegranate one?
If so, what and how much?

I didn't add any to my apple one which has been going about 4 days. Should I have added acid, and if so is it too late or can I do it during racking?

I've got bottles of lemon and lime juice, but a quick look at them this morning revealed that they both contain preservatives (I forget the exact names) so I'm reluctant to use them.

Sorry for the questions but I searched and can't find anything definitive.

Cheers,
Matt

 

[Moley]

I don't add acids when using orange or apple.

For the pomegranate I might suggest half to one teaspoonful of tartaric or citric acid, but it's hard to say without reading your carton or tasting your juice drink.

Go easy on the grapefruit, I tried that once and it was WAY too acidic! I ended up blending it with something else.

If you are ever making larger batches then grapefruit can work well, for example 3 WGJ + 1 orange + 1 apple + 1 grapefruit in a 3 gallon batch.

 

[matjam]

Thanks for that Moley.

I may hold off on the grapefruit then, and find some cherry juice or something instead.

Maybe time to visit the Polish shops ...

 

[tonyhibbett]

A long time since I used grapefruit other than as a breakfast drink, in combination with orange juice. The name is interesting, suggesting a grape element in the flavour. Grapefruit wine is probably a non starter, but the problem lies with the citric acid, rather than the grapefruit flavour. I am now convinced that citric acid in wine is a bad thing. Wow works because the orange flavour persists while the relatively low level of citric acid is eliminated, leaving only the tartaric acid from the grape juice.