Prickly Pear Wine
Experience the vibrant flavors of prickly pears in this homemade wine recipe. With notes of sweet raisins and a zesty twist from fresh lemon juice, this fruit-forward wine captures the essence of summer in every sip. Perfect for sharing on special occasions or simply enjoying by yourself, this wine boasts an inviting aroma and a smooth finish. Get ready to impress your friends with this delightful brew!
ingredients
- 12 cups prepared prickly pears (ripe fruit)
- 1 1/4 cups raisins
- 4 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 campden tablet
- 4 tsp yeast energizer
- 1 tsp pectic enzyme
- Juice from 2 lemons
- 1 packet wine yeast
- 4 cups water
steps
- 1.
Start by thoroughly washing the prickly pears, then peel and remove the seeds, making sure to prepare 12 cups of pure fruit.
- 2.
In a large fermentation vessel, combine the prepared prickly pears, raisins, sugar, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- 3.
Crush the campden tablet and add it to the mixture. Allow it to sit for 24 hours to sanitize the must.
- 4.
After 24 hours, add the pectic enzyme, lemon juice, and yeast energizer to the mixture. Stir gently.
- 5.
Sprinkle the wine yeast on top of the mixture, but do not stir. Seal the fermentation vessel with an airlock.
- 6.
Allow the wine to ferment in a cool, dark place for about 1-2 weeks until bubbling slows.
- 7.
Once fermentation is complete, siphon the wine into clean bottles, leaving sediment behind.
- 8.
Age the wine in bottles for at least 4-6 weeks before tasting to develop its full flavor.
