Rustic Sweet Potato Mead
Immerse yourself in the unique flavor of rustic sweet potato mead, where earthy sweetness meets invigorating citrus. This honey-based beverage is enriched with hearty raisins and zesty oranges, creating a flavorful twist that warms the soul. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or savoring solo, this homemade mead is sure to leave a lasting impression.
ingredients
- 12 cups chopped sweet potatoes or yams
- 4 cups honey
- 2 cups light raisins
- 1 tsp yeast nutrients
- 2 oranges, juiced and zested
- ½ tsp pectic enzyme
- 1 Campden tablet
- Water (to top off)
- 1 packet mead or champagne yeast
steps
- 1.
Wash the sweet potatoes or yams, then peel and chop them into small pieces.
- 2.
In a large pot, combine the chopped sweet potatoes with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 30 minutes or until soft.
- 3.
Strain the mixture through a fine sieve, collecting the liquid and discarding the solids.
- 4.
Add the honey to the warm liquid, stirring until fully dissolved.
- 5.
Once cooled, transfer the sweet potato liquid into a sanitized fermentation vessel.
- 6.
Add the raisins, yeast nutrients, orange juice, orange zest, pectic enzyme, and the crushed Campden tablet.
- 7.
Top off with additional water to reach a total volume of about 1 gallon.
- 8.
Sprinkle the mead yeast on top and seal the vessel with an airlock.
- 9.
Let the mixture ferment in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks or until fermentation activity has ceased.
- 10.
After fermentation completes, siphon the mead into clean bottles, leaving sediment behind.
- 11.
Seal the bottles and allow to age for at least 3 months before tasting.
