sodium benzoate

[northern brewer]

I just picked up two gallons of cider at the grocery store that I was thinking about trying to ferment. However it has .01% sodium benzoate added to the juice. Is this still useable?

[Lufah]

You'll have a hard time getting it to ferment. That is a preservitive (sp?) that will kill yeast. You only hope would be to throw a huge starter at it and hope for the best.

I would probably just drink that and try to find some that was chemical free.


Travis

[Brewbear]

NB, the key is to look on the label and make sure it specifies no preservatives. That being said, if you really want to ferment it, throw some K1-V at it! That sucker will chew most anything. Just add some sugar to it or some honey, K1-V will go to 18% ABV and leave your cider dryer than a bone in the middle of Mojave.
The only place I found "raw" juices at reasonable prices is Trader Joe's but I don't think they are a nation wide chain.

Hope that helps,
Brewbear

[bub]

I got mine at super wal-mart
BUB