Since the cultural invasion of Norse mythology, mead has gained a lot of relevance. There is no shortage of craft beverage fans eager to find out how to make mead at home. Fortunately, the process is uncomplicated and requires few resources, creativity, and patience.

About Mead

As old as wine, mead was (and still is) very popular in Eastern and Northern Europe, having a connection to Norse mythology, which inspired some of the greatest classics in medieval fantasy and role-playing games, such as Lord of the Rings, Dungeons & Dragons, Beowulf, and most recently Game of Thrones, among many, many others.

Beyond the status, several craft drink lovers have been making their mead since long before. It is a drink with a high alcohol content (about 20%) but very sweet, which allows an incredible level of experimentation with fruit and various spices.

The traditional mead also has gradations, like wine, and can be dry, demi-dry, and sweet. With the addition of fruit, it gains many nuances. Among the most popular blends are Cyser, with apple, Pyment, with grapes, Berry, with berries such as strawberry and raspberry, Stone Fruit, with stone fruit, which can be mixed with many other delicacies, malted grains, herbs, and vegetables.

Fermentation Basics

Learn what fermentation is and why it is good for you. Fermentation is a process used to preserve food and increase the level of good bacteria it contains. You shouldn’t be intimidated by the fermentation process – it’s actually quite simple and straightforward!

• Basically, fermentation involves placing a fruit of choice in a jar or other container and adding a combination of water, sugar, and a culture (such as yeast or whey).

• Then you put the lid on and the fruit is left at room temperature for 2 to 10 days. During this time, the culture will convert the sugar into alcohol, and carbon dioxide will be produced as a by-product, forming bubbles at the top of the jar.

• When fermented, the fruit will contain an abundance of beneficial bacteria[1] and can be used as a condiment, dessert topping, or in recipes for things like chutney, vitamins, and sauces.