Newbie question about foam/scum

[horsebones]

Hi, I would like to know more about the surface foam/scum that appears during the early stages of fermentation. Like...

• - What is it exactly or how come it appears?
  - Is it a 'normal', healthy part of the fermentation process?
  - Should I do anything about it? (For example, skim it off)

Thanks in advance.

 

[commsbiff]

What is it exactly or how come it appears?

Not exactly sure.

- Is it a 'normal', healthy part of the fermentation process?

Yes.

- Should I do anything about it? (For example, skim it off

No. (The vast majority or Home brewers leave it well alone. A small minority like to skim it. If you did skim - I'd be cautious about introducing infection)
:

 

[Dieseljockey]

I think you'll find it's Like this
just part of the fermentation.

 

[adrianmole72]

Like the Captain Spaulding :thumb: pic !

 

[Ken L]

Perfectly normal and sometimes called krausen in beer brewing.
No need to skim it off.

What I could never figure out is how the dark gritty deposits that you find in the lees form.

 

[Moley]

All perfectly normal, leave it alone, it will settle to the bottom when fermentation finishes.

What I could never figure out is how the dark gritty deposits that you find in the lees form.

I assume you're using a Super Yeast Compound. The dark, gritty bits are from bentonite, a volcanic clay used as a veggie-friendly finings, and which if added from the start will aid clearing later.