Fermentation storage question - light or dark?

Chorizo857_62J

Chorizo857_62J

I embarked on a fermentation project in accordance with the guidance in the "Fermentation 101" guidance on the website.  I am doing a test with a 12-oz and a 16 oz jar with scotch bonnets and red habaneros, respectively.  Using traditional water-filled airlocks on each jar.  The mash miked up great in the food processor, and has been in the sit and ferment mode inside my den for a day or so.  There is some settling, primarily I think due to gravity and density of the mash particle sizes, etc.  I am wondering if I need to put these in a closet in the dark to maximize activity, or will that create another, less favorable, or even harmful result?  regular room daylight a prohibitive thing?
 
Thanks!
 
Jeff
 
Hi Jeff,
 
I will move any ferments that I am going to run for more than a month or so into the dark.  For anything running a month or less I'll leave on the counter top because I like looking at them.  :) 
 
Ferments exposed to normal ambient sunlight (like in your kitchen for example) will begin to darken towards the top in my experience.  Doesn't hurt them or alter flavor, but also maybe not what you want.  
 
Thanks, that was what I was afraid of.  As temping as it is to watch a jar bubble here and there, I would rather have a more successful product.  Plus I don't have to explain to others in the house that those are really not bongs, they are airlocks.
 
I think the issue with beer ferments though is that the hops reacts with light and can throw skunky flavor. Not sure if light reacts the same with sauce.
 
Chorizo857_62J said:
I'm afraid of whatever else is under the sink.  The gun vault is safer, no pun intended.
 
:)
 
 
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Unless you have a dehumidifier in your safe please don't do that..I would never store anything liquid except maybe oil with my firearms.Good question though,I never thought about..But learned something today. Thanks SmokenFire.
 
Mr.CtChilihead said:
Unless you have a dehumidifier in your safe please don't do that..I would never store anything liquid except maybe oil with my firearms.Good question though,I never thought about..But learned something today. Thanks SmokenFire.
Click to expand...
 
Yeah you make a good point Mr.CtCh.  The thought of a ferment blowing out (overflowing) into my gun safe is not a pleasant thought.  
 
For clarification, they are in the same dark closet, but not in the actual safe.  The hardware is more valuable than a jar of fermenting peppers.  Seem to be working well, and the hardware is dehumidified and protected.  Didn't want to create any unwanted chemical reactions.  I check every other day or so to make sure we don't have any scary burp-ologies.
 
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