(Last Updated On: November 29, 2018)

I had a dream about Campden Tablets. Honestly.

If that doesn’t mark me as a beer nerd, I don’t know what does.

The context was crazy, and we were definitely not using the tablets for their intended purpose. Best not to dive too deep into that though….

Anyway, crazy dream usages aside, it made me think that a lot of homebrewers may not realize just how useful and versatile these little beauties really are. Thus…. this article.

Campden tablets have long been used by homebrewers for a number of reasons. I’m going to teach you how to use campden tablets in your homebrewing.

As commonplace as this popular additive is, I'll bet there is more to the humble campden tablet than most home brewers realize. Click To Tweet

Let’s start off with the basics, then a little Q&A about what these tablets can and can’t do… there’s a lot of misconceptions about what campden tablets can and can’t do.

What are Campden Tablets

Composition

Campden tablets are a sodium metabisulfite -based additive used for a variety of beer, wine, and cider making purposes.

The primary ingredient (sulfur-dioxide) interacts with chlorine and chloramine in water, causing it to dissipate rapidly.

It is also effective in the elimination of acetobacter, which can cause spoilage or infection in fermented beverages. Acetobacter is often responsible for vinegar-like flavor and aroma, especially in ciders and wines.

Origin

The Campden Tablet as we know it today has its earliest origins in the town of Chipping Campden, in England.

There, the Fruit and Vegetable Preserving Research Station developed the solution in the 1920s.

The tablet form was later created by a company known as “The Boots Co.” which is still around today, with over 2,500 health and Beauty retail locations in the UK.

Campden Tablet Uses

For Equipment Sterilization

If you find yourself out of your preferred sanitizing solution (I personally use fabulous Star-San), you can make a cheap and easy substitute with Campden tablets. Check the FAQs below for instructions.

To Remove Chlorine/Chloramine From Brewing Water

I’m not a chemist, but I know that the active ingredients in campden tablets can quickly eliminate chlorine and chloramines from your brewing water.

Since these compounds are often cited as precursors to medicinal, plasticky off-flavors, that’s a good thing for your beer.

To Prevent or Stop a Potential Infection

This is a very common step for homemade wine and cider, especially when using fresh fruit that may have various bacteria present.

Campden can be used at multiple stages in the wine or cider making process to prevent infection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Campden Tablets Be Used to Sanitize Bottles and Brewing Equipment?

Yes, though it is best suited for vessels like fermenters. This is because the actual sanitization is caused by the off-gassing of sulfur-dioxide. For best results, the vessel should be sealed to prevent loss of the sulfur-dioxide gas.

If you have some other brewing gear to be sanitized, you can place it in the sealed vessel.

How Do I Make Sanitizing Solution with Campden Tablets?

A sanitizing solution can be made by mixing 16 crushed Campden tablets per gallon of water. It’s a great way to sanitize brewing fermenters and barrels.

Simply pour a few inches of the sanitizer solution into the vessel, seal it up, and allow the sulfur dioxide gas about 20 or 30 minutes to fill the vessel and sanitize it.

You can place some of your other homebrewing equipment in the fermenter for convenience. Dispose of the solution, allow your equipment to air dry, and carry on with your brew day.

How Long Does Campden Last as a Sanitizer?

This is an important question.

Once the chemical reaction has occurred, the solution is no longer effective as a sanitizer. This is because the sulfur dioxide will have already been released from solution.

So it’s kind of a one-and done method, and you should dispose of the solution after you have sanitized with it.

Can Campden Tablets be Used To Remove Chlorine/Chloramine?

Absolutely.

In fact, among homebrewers this is probably the most common application.

Crushed campden tablets react with chlorine and chloramine in your brewing water, both of which will diminish rapidly at the proper dosage.

How Many Tablets Should I Use To Remove Chlorine/Chloramine?

About one crushed tablet per 10 -20 US gallons of water (or wort, or must ) should be enough to do the job depending on the amount of chlorine or chloramine in your tap water.

Allow 20-30 minutes for the Campden to do its thing.

Do Campden Tablets Stop Infection in Beer?

Well, It’s always best to follow best sanitation practices to prevent infection in the first place. Of course.

That said, Campden can be used to slow down or stop an infection by certain microbes and bacteria IN SOME CASES.

It is a far more effective tool for killing bacteria at lower pH than what is present in most normal beers, especially mid-fermentation.

It is far more popular amongst wine and cider makers for preventing infection.

How much Campden Should I add to prevent an infection in Wine or Cider?

About 1 crushed tablet per gallon of must is typical. The tablets should be crushed and dissolved in a small amount of sanitary water before adding.

When Should I add Campden Tablets to my Wine or Cider?

Many home wine and cider makers dose the must with Campden tablets a day or so before pitching the primary fermentation yeast.

This is a great way to kill off unwanted bad-guys. It’s important to allow the vessel to vent, as the sulfur dioxide needs to be able to off-gas.

Another typical time to dose wine or cider with Campden is right after primary fermentation.

Finally, before bottling another dose can be added to prevent spoilage (vinegar).

Can Campden Tablets Stop Active Fermentation?

Yes, but no. Campden tablets aren’t terribly effective against actively fermenting yeast. It would take a massive concentration of Campden to truly kill of the yeast and stop fermentation.

Basically it would render your beverage undrinkable.

Conclusion

I hope you learned a thing or two about what the humble Campden Tablet can and can’t do.

Clearly, whether you are making homebrewed beer, wine, or cider, it pays to have a supply of Campden Tablets on hand.

Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to use the share buttons at the top and bottom of this article!

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