How to Add Grains of Paradise to Beer
Grains of paradise is a spice you can add to your home brew for a peppery/gingery taste. For a sample of the flavor, try Samuel Adams Summer Ale. Unless you're certain you enjoy the spice, start with a small amount. If you're worried the flavor will be too subtle, remember this is better than having the beer turn out too spicy, as noted by BrewYourOwn.com. You can always add more grains of paradise next time. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Home-brewed beer
- Grains of paradise
- Zip-seal plastic bag
- Rolling pin
- Electric spice or coffee grinder
Instructions
-
-
1
Use a recipe for five to 10 gallons of beer, and brew as usual up to the last five minutes of the boil.
-
2
Crush the grains of paradise into a granular powder. First, put the grains of paradise into a zip-seal plastic bag, and then roll a rolling pin over them. You also can use an electric spice grinder or coffee mill. Crush the grains of paradise as late in the brewing process as possible so they'll retain their freshest flavor and aroma.
-
-
3
Add the grains of paradise during the last five minutes of the boil, or turn off the heat when the beer is finished and add the spice then. Add 1/8 teaspoon to five gallons for a subtle flavor, or 1/4 teaspoon for a more intense taste. Add 1/2 teaspoon to 10 gallons of beer for mild spice, or up to 1 1/2 teaspoons for 10 gallons if you know you like the flavor and you want a definitive spicy beer. Then add any other spices you've decided to include.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Make notes of how much spice you've added so you can refine your recipe next time if necessary.
