Suspended yeast and sediment
After fermentation, some yeast and fine particles need time to settle.
Identify the cause before choosing a product
Not every type of haze is removed in the same way.
Yeast sediment, pectin, proteins and raw-material particles behave differently. Effective clarification therefore begins with an assessment of the process stage and the type of haze. A randomly selected product may be ineffective, while an incorrect dose or order of addition can make sedimentation more difficult.
Identify the possible cause of haze
Check when the haze appeared, which raw material was used and whether fermentation has actually finished.
Pectin
Particularly common in fruit batches. Pectin haze may require an appropriate enzyme.
Proteins and colloids
They may remain suspended and cause persistent or recurring haze.
Starch and raw-material residue
Insufficient preparation of starchy materials may make clarity difficult to achieve.
Ongoing fermentation
Carbon dioxide and yeast activity keep particles moving. Clarification started too early may be ineffective.
Prepare the drink for clarification
Make sure fermentation has finished as intended.
Rack the drink off heavy sediment if the selected method requires it.
Check the temperature and any degassing recommendations.
Prepare a clean, sanitised vessel and tools.
If the drink is still releasing gas vigorously, particles may remain suspended. Always follow the procedure for the specific product — not every method requires the same preparation.
Match the method to the problem
| Method or preparation | When may it be used? |
|---|---|
| Time and sedimentation | For yeast and particles that settle naturally, calm and stable conditions may be the best first step. |
| Pectolytic enzyme | Helps break down pectin, especially in fruit batches. The product instructions specify the timing and dose. |
| Bentonite | A mineral preparation used, among other things, to bind some proteins and colloidal particles so they settle with the sediment. |
| Oenological gelatine | Helps selected fine particles form larger clusters that settle more easily. |
| Silica sol | Often works with gelatine in a two-stage system. The order of addition matters. |
| Two-part preparation | A ready-to-use clarification system whose components are added in sequence and at the interval specified by the manufacturer. |
Clarify step by step
Match the preparation to the cause of haze and the type of drink.
Calculate the dose for the actual volume.
Prepare the product exactly as instructed.
Observe the correct order of components and contact time.
After adding the preparation, leave the vessel in stable conditions and avoid moving it unnecessarily. Once a compact sediment has formed, carefully separate the clear liquid while limiting contact with air.
Clarification is not the same as stabilisation
Clarification primarily removes suspended particles and improves transparency. Stabilisation is intended to reduce the risk of renewed haze, fermentation restart or undesirable changes during storage.
Physical stability — limiting sediment and haze formation.
Microbiological stability — controlling microbial activity.
Fermentation stability — preventing an unplanned restart.
Protection against oxidation — limiting oxygen exposure at later stages.
The stabilisation method depends on the drink, sugar content, intended bottling method and storage time. A clear appearance alone does not prove that the product is fully stable.
Avoid the most common mistakes
- Clarifying before active fermentation has finished.
- Using a preparation without identifying the cause of haze.
- Increasing the dose in the hope of a faster or stronger effect.
- Adding the components of a two-part system in the wrong order.
- Moving the vessel while sediment is forming and settling.
- Treating a clear appearance as proof of full product stability.
A simple selection path
Cause of haze → drink preparation → suitable product → sedimentation → careful separation
The best result comes from matching the method to the drink and the actual problem. If you are unsure, tell us the raw material, process stage, volume and appearance of the haze — we will help narrow the choice.