Does extract actually need boiling?

[Billybobbrew]

Hi guys.

I've done a couple of extract batches and want to switch to all-grain but don't have the equipment, unless I make small batches. I also can't afford the equipment, as I'm a poor, poor student. I've been making extract batches by boiling the extract, lots of hops and half the water and then topping up with cold water, which works well, but I doubt I'd get away with it brewing all grain, especially as I only have the equipment for a BIAB, so I won't be getting great efficiency to start with.

I could make small batches, maybe two in a day to get to normal size (23 litres), but two boils as well as a mash'n'sparge in one day is a PITA. I was thinking about doing partial mash by doing one small (say 10 litre) all grain batch, boiling that with the hops, then adding it to a tin of extract in another 12 or so litres of water.

I'm working off the theory that since the hopped extract kits work fine without boiling, this should too. Is there any reason why I can't simply mix the extract with water and add it cold?

Sorry about the long post for a simple question, but if I'm missing something and there's another solution I'd like to know too.

 

[Mephistopholes]

you need to boil the extract to gain the bittering quality of the hops. No boil no bitterness. beer kits have the hops already boiled in. (well they have bitterness in them anyway whether that is from hops or not is subject for debate)

Sounds like what youre doing should work quite well.

 

[evanvine]

As you are boiling the hops with the wort from the grain, the malt extract will not need to be boiled.
It may need to be warmed so that it mixes in easily.
I use unboiled DME for growing my yeast cultures.
Good luck :thumb: