Rustic Sarsaparilla Leaf Wine
Rustic Sarsaparilla Leaf Wine
ingredients
- 1-1/2 lbs chopped sarsaparilla leaves
- 2-1/2 lbs granulated sugar
- 7-1/2 pts water
- 1/2 oz citric acid
- 1 crushed Campden tablet
- 1 tsp yeast nutrient
- wine yeast
steps
- 1.
Start by rinsing the chopped sarsaparilla leaves thoroughly to remove any impurities.
- 2.
In a large pot, mix the water and granulated sugar, heating over medium flame until fully dissolved.
- 3.
Add the chopped sarsaparilla leaves and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes to extract the flavorful essences.
- 4.
Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- 5.
Strain the mixture through a fine mesh, discarding the solid leaves to capture the liquid essence.
- 6.
Stir in the citric acid and the crushed Campden tablet, ensuring the tablet dissolves completely to eliminate unwanted bacteria.
- 7.
After 24 hours, add the yeast nutrient and sprinkle the wine yeast on top, allowing it to hydrate for around 15 minutes before giving it a gentle stir.
- 8.
Transfer the liquid to a sanitized fermentation vessel, sealing it with an airlock, and place it in a cool, dark area for fermentation that will take about 4-6 weeks.
- 9.
Once fermentation has finished, siphon the wine into clean bottles, leaving sediment behind, and seal tightly. Allow the wine to age for at least 3 months before savoring your homemade rustic sarsaparilla leaf wine.
