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matrix4bOk, So I wanted to concentract the extract I have made. In this case Lemon extract or more appropriately they are Tinctures not truely extracts. I found some instructions online that seemed to indicate that a way to concentrate the flavor is to evaporate the alcohol out of it.
The instructions were for only a couple of doses of volume. More medicinal but I felt that the concept was sound. Totally spaced that it was for only a dose or two.
2 methods were described.
1. Microwave for a few minutes until it is reduced. Very scarce on the instructions.
2. Put in a double boiler and heat slowly on low heat as alcohol is evaporated at low tempatures. This method also suggests to use a wide bottom pan as it will provide more surface area to evaporate.
I opted for method 1. Put a cup of my lemon extract in a measuring cup and proceeded to nuke it for 2 minutes.
(Wait for it)
Ok, got some bubbling and let cool off for a minute or so, the volume was down about 1/8 of a cup as it was in between 1 cup level and 3/4 cup level. Was thinking on going to the 3/4 cup level. So in it goes, still warm but stopped bubbling. So I put in for another 2 minutes. It got to 46 sec.
(Wait for it)
Then BOOM. The door shoots open and there is a spray of lemon extract vapor that explosively shoots out. Ok, note to self, extract is....Combustable in the microwave if left too long. And Yes I realize that I was Distilling. The alcohol vapor must have come out of the solution too quickly for the volume of liquid to handle and possibly combusted into flame. I cleaned up the now fully drenched microwave and in front of it. I actually sprayed my wifes calves with it and burned her slightly, an application of Alovera burn jell was neccessary but I couldn't tell any redness so it was very mild of a burn. And after much appologies to my wife, promising that I wouldn't do it in the micorwave again and proving that the microwave still worked, I managed to get out of hot water.
Yes, NOW I am aware that what I was actually doing is called Distilling. A big no no for home brewers. Not sure if it's ok in small batches for extract. The mint extract is a little weak and needs the concentration, What's left of the Lemon and some Orange Extract could all use some reduction. Time to try my hand at the slower method.
The other technique was simply evaporative of just opening the container and leaving it open until it reduces on it's own.
So if you want to make a microwave go boom without a fire, simply put some rum or vodka in it and nuke for 4-5 minutes strait. NO I am not recomending it, more of advocating against it.
It startled me though.
Dave
(On the mead side, nothing new, haven't started the Pumpkin yet. Hopefully this Sunday.)
The instructions were for only a couple of doses of volume. More medicinal but I felt that the concept was sound. Totally spaced that it was for only a dose or two.
2 methods were described.
1. Microwave for a few minutes until it is reduced. Very scarce on the instructions.
2. Put in a double boiler and heat slowly on low heat as alcohol is evaporated at low tempatures. This method also suggests to use a wide bottom pan as it will provide more surface area to evaporate.
I opted for method 1. Put a cup of my lemon extract in a measuring cup and proceeded to nuke it for 2 minutes.
(Wait for it)
Ok, got some bubbling and let cool off for a minute or so, the volume was down about 1/8 of a cup as it was in between 1 cup level and 3/4 cup level. Was thinking on going to the 3/4 cup level. So in it goes, still warm but stopped bubbling. So I put in for another 2 minutes. It got to 46 sec.
(Wait for it)
Then BOOM. The door shoots open and there is a spray of lemon extract vapor that explosively shoots out. Ok, note to self, extract is....Combustable in the microwave if left too long. And Yes I realize that I was Distilling. The alcohol vapor must have come out of the solution too quickly for the volume of liquid to handle and possibly combusted into flame. I cleaned up the now fully drenched microwave and in front of it. I actually sprayed my wifes calves with it and burned her slightly, an application of Alovera burn jell was neccessary but I couldn't tell any redness so it was very mild of a burn. And after much appologies to my wife, promising that I wouldn't do it in the micorwave again and proving that the microwave still worked, I managed to get out of hot water.
Yes, NOW I am aware that what I was actually doing is called Distilling. A big no no for home brewers. Not sure if it's ok in small batches for extract. The mint extract is a little weak and needs the concentration, What's left of the Lemon and some Orange Extract could all use some reduction. Time to try my hand at the slower method.
The other technique was simply evaporative of just opening the container and leaving it open until it reduces on it's own.
So if you want to make a microwave go boom without a fire, simply put some rum or vodka in it and nuke for 4-5 minutes strait. NO I am not recomending it, more of advocating against it.
It startled me though.
Dave
(On the mead side, nothing new, haven't started the Pumpkin yet. Hopefully this Sunday.)