Fermenting

johnnynhl5

What does fermenting cider look like?, I am not sure if it is fermenting, I have added more yeast and sugar and gave it a good stir, but still no bubbles through the air lock.

HBO_Staff

Welcome, what you see as it ferments can vary based on factors such as the yeast, the temperature and how easily the sugars ferment, a general rule is froth and foam on the surface, and the airlocks wont always bubble, especially from a slow and steady ferment. Here is a guide on this link that will give you more info if of any interest:

https://homebrewonline.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/519/fermentation-what-to-expect#latest

WCG

I've done 3 ciders over the course of the last year....one frothed a lot, one very little & one not at all, with the latter 2 having little or no bubbling through the airlock.
The only way I knew they were doing anything was by testing the SG every few days ( and was almost caught out by one which had a steady SG reading for a few days then suddenly started fermenting again )

I never used to bother with a hydrometer, but these days I use one all the time.

HBO_Staff

This is quite common, if the temperature was different this will be a factor, and also the different yeasts they use, a hydrometer is always the best way. If you do find a brew slows to a stop and the reading is a bit high, give it astir with a well cleaned spoon or paddle to re-suspend the yeast and this will help it along

johnnynhl5

HBO_Staff said:

Welcome, what you see as it ferments can vary based on factors such as the yeast, the temperature and how easily the sugars ferment, a general rule is froth and foam on the surface, and the airlocks wont always bubble, especially from a slow and steady ferment. Here is a guide on this link that will give you more info if of any interest:

https://homebrewonline.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/519/fermentation-what-to-expect#latest

Thanks for your help!