In order for the wine to turn out to be of high quality, in winemaking, they must use disinfectants to sterilize equipment and utensils used in the production of alcohol. For this, a chemical substance such as potassium metabisulfite is used.
Brief description of the substance
Potassium metabisulfite is a crystalline powder, has a white color and the smell of sulfur. It is a broad-spectrum drug, usually used in winemaking. The substance has an antioxidant effect, blocks the growth and development of pathogenic microbes and oxidative enzymes.
Potassium metabisulfite is commonly referred to as E224. Available in powder form, packaged in bags in an amount of 10 or 100 grams, as well as in bags in an amount of 1 or 25 kilograms. The product is convenient to use, since it does not require preparation, and can be placed directly in the wort or drink with continuous stirring.
Where is used
Potassium metabisulfite found use in the following:
- As an antioxidant and antiseptic in the sulfation of wort and wines.
- It is used in the production of alcoholic beverages such as wine, brandy, beer, liqueurs.
- In the manufacture of vinegar, starch, fruit drinks, syrups, etc.
- Disinfection of dishes and equipment.
- Confectionery manufacturing.
Thus, for the most part, potassium metabisulfite has been used in winemaking.
Instruction for use
Potassium metabisulfite (pyrosulfite) can be used in various dosages depending on its scope:
- To eliminate pathogenic microbes on fruits, especially if they are damaged, use 1 gram of the drug per 10 liters of wort. The substance is dissolved in 100 milliliters of water, poured into wort and mixed well.
- In order to eliminate yeast after fermentation, to prevent re-fermentation, take 1 gram of substance per 10 liters of alcohol. A portion of potassium metabisulfite is dissolved in 50 milliliters of water, poured into wort and mixed.
- For disinfection of dishes and equipment, 10 grams of the drug is dissolved in 2 liters of water. Wash dishes and equipment with this solution, then rinse it then is not necessary.
It is recommended to use the product in the production of wines in such dosages:
- White grapes - 2-10 grams per 100 liters of water.
- Black grapes - 4-12 grams per 100 liters of water.
- Damaged white grapes - 8-12 grams per 100 liters of water.
- Damaged black grapes - 10-14 grams per 100 liters of water.
It is necessary to strictly observe the dosage of the substance. When doses are exceeded, inhibition of fermentation occurs. When the finished drink is stabilized, an increase in the concentration of the substance leads to the formation of a poor taste of the drink and the smell of sulfuric acid.
Action on the body
Upon contact with potassium metabisulfite, respiratory tract irritation occurs, the substance narrows them, resulting in an increased risk of asthma attacks. When ingested in high concentrations, the development of allergic reactions is observed.
In the human body, the substance breaks down into components, which are excreted together with urine. Potassium metabisulfite does not affect the balance of sodium in the body.
additional information
It is necessary to store the substance in a dry place, which is well ventilated, since it has a smell of sulfur. The product is afraid of high humidity, in this case it is prone to hardening.
E224 is today an approved supplement in the Russian Federation. But in many countries its use is prohibited in the food industry.
It is also used in such areas:
- Photography (sour photographic fixer).
- Laboratory practice.
- Purification of drinking water (as a filter element).
- Textile industry (dyeing fabrics).
In Ukraine and the Russian Federation, the substance is used as a preservative and antioxidant for the preservation of the color and taste of wines. But there is one drawback to this use. It lies in the fact that the substance increases the content of potassium in the drink, and this increases the extractivity of the wine. In other words, tartaric acid turns into tartar, which negatively affects the taste of an alcoholic drink.
Cost and acquisition of funds
You can buy the drug on the manufacturer's website, as well as in specialized stores. Some manufacturers sell potassium metabisulfite at a price of two hundred and ninety-five rubles per kilogram. With wholesale, the cost will be lower.