{"schema":{"type":"ModernMazerRecipe","version":"1.0"},"canonicalUrl":"https://modernmazer.com/recipes/turmeric-mead","jsonUrl":"https://modernmazer.com/recipes/turmeric-mead.json","slug":"turmeric-mead","name":"Turmeric Mead","summary":"A golden, anti-inflammatory mead built on wildflower honey with fresh turmeric and black pepper. Turmeric adds an earthy, slightly bitter character; black pepper enhances bioavailability. Targets 11% ABV with a semi-sweet finish. 5-gallon batch.","heroImage":null,"heroImageAlt":"A glass of golden turmeric mead beside fresh turmeric root and a honey jar","author":"Modern Mazer","publishedDate":"2026-09-13","updatedDate":"2026-09-13","testingStatus":"development","evidenceStatus":"editorial","difficulty":"intermediate","style":"Metheglin","tags":["mead","metheglin","turmeric","wellness","golden","botanical","five-gallon"],"targetBatchVolume":5,"targetBatchVolumeUnit":"gallons","grossBatchVolume":5.5,"grossBatchVolumeUnit":"gallons","expectedProductionLoss":0.09,"targetABV":11,"originalGravity":1.082,"finalGravity":1.003,"sweetnessLevel":"semi-sweet","carbonationLevel":"still","ingredients":[{"id":"honey","name":"Wildflower honey","quantity":11,"unit":"lbs","notes":null,"optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"linear"},{"id":"water","name":"Filtered water","quantity":4.5,"unit":"gallons","notes":null,"optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"linear"},{"id":"turmeric","name":"Fresh turmeric root, peeled and sliced","quantity":3,"unit":"oz","notes":"Add in secondary in a muslin bag. Taste weekly.","optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"id":"black-pepper","name":"Whole black peppercorns, cracked","quantity":1,"unit":"tsp","notes":"Add with turmeric. Enhances curcumin bioavailability.","optional":false,"scalingBehavior":"manual"},{"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 71B","brand":"Lalvin","quantity":1,"unit":"packets","notes":null},"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","Muslin bags","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 5.5 gallons.","note":null},{"step":3,"title":"Take OG reading","description":"Record original gravity. Target approximately 1.082.","note":null},{"step":4,"title":"Pitch yeast and nutrients","description":"Pitch Lalvin 71B. Add Day 0 nutrients. Ferment at 65–70°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 turmeric and pepper in secondary","description":"Rack. Add turmeric and cracked black pepper in a sanitized muslin bag. Taste weekly.","note":"Turmeric will stain equipment and clothing. Handle with care."},{"step":8,"title":"Remove additions and condition","description":"Remove muslin bag after 1–2 weeks or when desired intensity is reached. Condition for 3–6 months.","note":null},{"step":9,"title":"Package","description":"Bottle or keg.","note":null}],"fermentationTemperature":"65–70°F (18–21°C)","fermentationTimeline":"3–5 weeks","conditioningTimeline":"3–6 months","packagingInstructions":"Ensure fermentation is fully complete before packaging.","safetyNotes":["Never bottle a mead that has not fully finished fermenting.","Turmeric will permanently stain equipment, clothing, and surfaces. Handle with care and wear gloves.","Sanitize all equipment that contacts the must or finished mead."],"scalingNotes":"Honey and water scale linearly. Turmeric and pepper do NOT scale linearly — adjust to taste. 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 6 supplement.","changedBy":"Modern Mazer"}],"relatedRecipes":["ginger-mead","morning-tonic-botanical-session-mead"],"relatedTutorials":[],"references":[{"title":"TOSNA 3.0 Nutrient Calculator","url":"https://www.meadmakr.com/tosna-calculator/","author":null,"year":null,"notes":null}]}