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The brewing industry has seen a recent surge in the popularity of mead, with craft meaderies popping up all over the country. Therefore, to stay ahead of the curve, it is essential to develop new and interesting mead recipes. It’s where melomel comes in. So, what is melomel?
Contents
What Is Melomel?
Melomel is a type of mead that is made by fermenting honey and fruit together. The word “melomel” comes from the Greek meli, meaning “honey,” and melon, meaning “fruit.” You can also add other ingredients to melomel, such as spices or herbs, to create a unique flavor profile. The alcohol content of melomel can range from 3-18% ABV depending on the recipe.
Melomel is one of the oldest types of mead and has been around since ancient times. The first recorded recipe for melomel was found in the medieval text, the Mappae Clavicula. This recipe called for honey, water, and grape juice to be fermented together. It is thought that melomel was originally created as a way to preserve fruit in a drinkable form.
How to Make Melomel
Making melomel is similar to making traditional mead. If you have been in the mead-making game for a while, then you will have no trouble making melomel. It is only when you start to add fruit that the process changes slightly. The following are steps in making melomel:
Choose Your Fruits
The first step in making melomel is to choose the fruits that you want to use. There are no rules when it comes to choosing fruits for melomel. You can use any type of fruit that you like. Some of the most popular fruits to use in melomel are grapes, cherries, blackberries, and raspberries.
After getting the fruit, wash and then chop it into small pieces. If you are using grapes, you will also need to crush them. The smaller the pieces of fruit, the better because it will release more flavor during fermentation.
Get Your Honey
Honey is the next thing that you will need for your melomel. The type of honey that you use will have a big impact on the flavor of your melomel. It is best to use light-colored honey for your melomel because it will not add any extra flavor to the drink.
If you want to add extra flavor to your melomel, you can use flavored honey. There are many different types of flavored honey on the market, such as orange blossom honey or lavender honey.
Make the Must
The must is the mixture of honey and water that will be fermented to make your melomel. To make the must, you will need to add the honey and water to a pot or fermenter. If you are using fruit, you will need to add it at this point as well.
The amount of honey and water that you use will depend on the recipe that you are following. Most recipes call for a ratio of 1 part honey to 2 parts water.
Ferment the Melomel
Once the must is made, it is time to start the fermentation process. To do this, you will need to add yeast to the must. The type of yeast that you use will have a big impact on the flavor of your melomel.
After adding the yeast, let the must ferment for 2-3 weeks. The yeast will eat the sugars in the must and convert them into alcohol during this time. The fermentation process will produce a lot of foam on the top of the must. This is normal, and you don’t need to worry about it.
After 2-3 weeks, the fermentation process will be complete. Similar to beer, you will know it is done when the foam has settled, and the must is clear. This clearly indicates that your mead or beer is ready for bottling and enjoying.
Health Importance of Melomel
Mead beer has been around for centuries, and it has many health benefits. The same can be said for melomel. The following are some of the health benefits of melomel:
- Melomel is rich in vitamins and minerals because it is made with fruits.
- The fermentation process creates probiotics, which are good for gut health.
- Mead can boost the immune system since it is high in antioxidants.
- Mead has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Melomel Taste Like?
The taste of melomel will depend on the type of fruits that you use. If you use sweet fruits, your melomel will be sweet. If you use sour fruits, your melomel will be sour. The type of honey that you use will also have a big impact on the flavor of your drink.
How Should I Store Melomel?
The best way to store melomel is in a cool, dark place. Once opened, melomel will last for 6-12 months. Ensure to keep it in a tightly sealed container to prevent it from going bad.
Conclusion
Melomel is a very versatile drink, and it can be made to suit any taste. Whether you like your melomel sweet or sour, there is a recipe for you. Melomel is also a very healthy drink, and it has many benefits. So what are you waiting for? Get brewing!
