{"schema":{"type":"ModernMazerRecipe","version":"1.0"},"canonicalUrl":"https://modernmazer.com/recipes/pomegranate-mead","jsonUrl":"https://modernmazer.com/recipes/pomegranate-mead.json","slug":"pomegranate-mead","name":"Pomegranate Mead","summary":"A jewel-toned, tannic melomel built on wildflower honey and pomegranate juice. Pomegranate contributes intense color, bright acidity, and complex tannins. Pomegranate juice is used for consistent flavor and ease of addition. Targets 13% ABV with a semi-sweet finish. 5-gallon batch.","heroImage":null,"heroImageAlt":"A glass of deep ruby pomegranate mead beside pomegranate arils and a honey jar","author":"Modern Mazer","publishedDate":"2026-09-13","updatedDate":"2026-09-13","testingStatus":"development","evidenceStatus":"editorial","difficulty":"intermediate","style":"Melomel","tags":["mead","melomel","pomegranate","fruit","tannic","semi-sweet","five-gallon"],"targetBatchVolume":5,"targetBatchVolumeUnit":"gallons","grossBatchVolume":5.5,"grossBatchVolumeUnit":"gallons","expectedProductionLoss":0.09,"targetABV":13,"originalGravity":1.098,"finalGravity":1.005,"sweetnessLevel":"semi-sweet","carbonationLevel":"still","ingredients":[{"id":"honey","name":"Wildflower honey","quantity":13,"unit":"lbs","notes":null,"optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"linear"},{"id":"pomegranate-juice","name":"Pomegranate juice (100%, no added sugar)","quantity":1,"unit":"gallons","notes":"Add in secondary. 100% juice, no preservatives.","optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"linear"},{"id":"water","name":"Filtered water","quantity":3,"unit":"gallons","notes":null,"optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"linear"},{"id":"fermaid-o","name":"Fermaid-O","quantity":10,"unit":"g","notes":null,"optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"id":"fermaid-k","name":"Fermaid-K","quantity":5,"unit":"g","notes":null,"optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"manual"}],"yeast":{"name":"Lalvin EC-1118","brand":"Lalvin","quantity":1,"unit":"packets","notes":"Handles tannic must."},"nutrientSchedule":[{"timing":"Day 0 (pitch)","nutrient":"Fermaid-O","quantity":2.5,"unit":"g","notes":null,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"timing":"24 hours","nutrient":"Fermaid-O","quantity":2.5,"unit":"g","notes":null,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"timing":"48 hours","nutrient":"Fermaid-O","quantity":2.5,"unit":"g","notes":null,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"timing":"1/3 sugar break","nutrient":"Fermaid-O","quantity":2.5,"unit":"g","notes":null,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"timing":"Day 0 (pitch)","nutrient":"Fermaid-K","quantity":5,"unit":"g","notes":null,"scalingBehavior":"manual"}],"equipment":["6-gallon fermentation vessel","Secondary vessel","Airlock and stopper","Hydrometer","Thermometer","Sanitizer","Auto-siphon and tubing","Bottles or keg"],"process":[{"step":1,"title":"Sanitize all equipment","description":"Prepare no-rinse sanitizer. Sanitize all vessels and tools.","note":null},{"step":2,"title":"Build honey must","description":"Dissolve honey in 1 gallon of warm water. Cool. Add to fermenter with remaining water to 4.5 gallons.","note":null},{"step":3,"title":"Take OG reading","description":"Record original gravity of honey must. Target approximately 1.098.","note":null},{"step":4,"title":"Pitch yeast and nutrients","description":"Pitch EC-1118. Add Day 0 nutrients. Ferment at 65–72°F.","note":null},{"step":5,"title":"Staggered nutrient additions","description":"Follow TOSNA schedule. Degas before each addition.","note":null},{"step":6,"title":"Monitor primary fermentation","description":"Check gravity every few days. Primary typically completes in 3–5 weeks.","note":null},{"step":7,"title":"Add pomegranate juice in secondary","description":"Rack onto pomegranate juice. Allow 1–2 weeks of contact.","note":null},{"step":8,"title":"Rack to clean vessel","description":"Rack to a clean vessel.","note":null},{"step":9,"title":"Condition and clarify","description":"Condition for 4–8 months.","note":null},{"step":10,"title":"Package","description":"Bottle or keg.","note":null}],"fermentationTemperature":"65–72°F (18–22°C)","fermentationTimeline":"3–5 weeks primary + 1–2 weeks juice contact","conditioningTimeline":"4–8 months","packagingInstructions":"Ensure fermentation is fully complete before packaging.","safetyNotes":["Never bottle a mead that has not fully finished fermenting.","Juice additions can restart fermentation — confirm gravity is stable before packaging.","Pomegranate juice must be preservative-free.","Sanitize all equipment that contacts the must or finished mead."],"scalingNotes":"Honey, water, and pomegranate juice scale linearly. Nutrient additions do NOT scale linearly.","version":"1.0.0","changeHistory":[{"version":"1.0.0","date":"2026-09-13","summary":"Initial record. Phase 4C Batch 3.","changedBy":"Modern Mazer"}],"relatedRecipes":["blackberry-mead","elderberry-mead"],"relatedTutorials":[],"references":[{"title":"TOSNA 3.0 Nutrient Calculator","url":"https://www.meadmakr.com/tosna-calculator/","author":null,"year":null,"notes":null}]}