How to Use Gelatin to Clarify Your Beer
Directions
- 1Add 3/4 cup of water to your measuring cup.
- 2Heat the water slightly before adding the gelatin to help it dissolve quicker.
- 3Add 1 tsp of gelatin and stir with a thermometer to get a reading.
- 4Heat the solution to 150-155F using short 5-10 second bursts in the microwave, avoiding boiling.
- 5Once the target temperature is hit, take the lid off of your keg (or fermenter) and pour the solution directly into your beer.
- 6If adding gelatin into a keg, reconnect your CO2 line and purge the headspace.
- 7If adding gelatin into a fermenter, replace the airlock.
- 8Wait 24-48 hours while the gelatin works to clarify the beer.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Knox Unflavored Gelatin
- 0.75 cup water
- 5 gallons beer
Equipment
Pyrex Measuring CupCandy ThermometerMicrowaveKeg (or fermenter)
Tips
- Ensure your beer is cold, at serving temperature (34-38F), before adding gelatin.
- If adding to a keg, the first pint or two might be cloudy due to sediment at the bottom where the dip tube draws from.
- Boiling the water first and then letting it cool to 150-155F before adding gelatin can help with sanitization.
- Allow the gelatin to 'bloom' in water for about 5 minutes before heating.