Aids to Good Fermentation
Beer usually ferments well without much bother; indeed, a good vigorous ferment is assured if we proceed as advised. However, the yeast must have certain conditions if it is to make the alcohol we want without undue waste of time. The first essential to good fermentation is a temperature of about 65 of. and if this can be maintained, fermentation should be all over and done with in five to eight days. But sometimes we encounter a sluggish ferment and this is not a good thing if good beers are to result. Therefore, to ensure that the yeast will make good beers, give a little nutrient as used by home winemakers. This is merely a blend of chemicals essential to speedy yeast growth, they have no effect upon the taste of the finished beers.
Nutrient tablets used by winemakers are quite suitable for our purpose and should be used as directed by the supplier. This means, usually, merely crushing the tablet and dissolving the powder in a few drops of the wort and then stirring it into the rest.
A pinch of salt boiled with the hops, and a few crystals of citric acid per gallon will also assist fermentation. None of these additives will give their flavor into the finished beer.