Of nettle beer and elderflower cordial...

[farmerdrea]

Going to try some nettle beer this weekend, but would like to use honey instead of sugar. Has anyone tried this, and what would the substitution be? I'm assuming that one would have to boil the honey so as not to contaminate the brew? I'd also like to try the same with elderflower cordial, which I've made before with sugar, but would like to use honey instead (since our bees have been very busy and we have copious amounts of honey.

Cheers
Andrea
NZ

[eccentric_emma]

maybe this will help, although i havent used it myself

http://www.selfsufficientish.com/forum/ ... =11&t=7669

[StripyPixieSocks]

Sugar to honey conversion for brewing is 75g of honey for every 100g sugar

The only time honey needs to be boiled to remove impurities is if it come unprocessed / refined and straight from the bee-keeper but if you are buying it from the Supermarket (or commercial outlet) is has already been pasteurized and any further boiling will only serve to drive off the lovely flavour.

[farmerdrea]

Thanks for that -- will give it a go this weekend.

Cheers
Andrea
NZ

[sub]

How did the nettle beer turn out?

Also, does anyone know when is nettle season? I'd heard there are two per year...

[benner]

Picked mine in the park behind the house on April the 6th last year! Only know this cos it snowed heavily the night before, Boy did I get some funny looks!

Worth it though most of the beer was pretty good too!

[Andy Hamilton]

How did the nettle beer turn out?

Also, does anyone know when is nettle season? I'd heard there are two per year...

Well you can pick all year round if you stick to the top four leaves. However, nettles really are at their best in the spring. The young tender smaller nettles are choice.