Red & Blue Berry Melomel

Red & Blue Berry Melomel
ingredients
- 3 lbs wildflower honey
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 gallon filtered water
- 1 tsp yeast nutrient
- 1 packet mead yeast (preferably Lalvin D-47 or EC-1118)
- 1/2 tsp potassium metabisulfite (for sanitation)
- Optional: 1 cup additional fruit for secondary fermentation
steps
- 1.
Begin by sanitizing all equipment (carboy, airlock, stirring spoon, etc.) using potassium metabisulfite mixed with water.
- 2.
In a large pot, heat ½ gallon of filtered water to a simmer. Stir in the wildflower honey until fully dissolved to create your must, then remove it from heat.
- 3.
Add the remaining gallon of filtered water to cool the must. Once at room temperature, transfer to the sanitized carboy.
- 4.
Introduce the sliced strawberries and blueberries into the carboy, gently stirring to combine.
- 5.
Add the yeast nutrient and sprinkle the yeast over the mixture without stirring to allow for proper hydration.
- 6.
Secure the airlock onto the carboy and store it in a dark, temperature-controlled place (around 65-75°F) for fermentation.
- 7.
Let fermentation occur for 2-4 weeks until bubbling in the airlock slows significantly.
- 8.
After primary fermentation, siphon the melomel into a clean carboy, leaving sediment behind, and optionally add more fruit for enhanced complexity.
- 9.
Age the melomel for at least 3-6 months to develop its flavor fully, then bottle and savor your homemade Red & Blue Berry Melomel!