Flavor Muting After Steep?

[muranternet]

I have a problem with some of my mixes, and I hope someone smarter than me can tell me what it is.

On a lot of my mixes, specifically Banana Nut Breads and some simple fruit mixes (Strawberry/Banana) it tastes a little harsh/weak out of the mix as expected, then after a steep it tastes great, and then after another week or so all the flavors seem to mute and I mostly taste the glycerine. This does not happen on some of my high-flavor percentage mixes like a clove absinthe and an 11 fruit mix (both close to 19%). Problem is on some flavors like a simple strawberry-banana I don't want high percentages or else it tastes quite soapy and alkaline. Is there a sort of rolling process in steeps where flavor mixing goes way up, then mutes down, and so I have to stay at high percentages?

The goal is to mix juices that eventually calm down into a stable state where they stay tasty until they're gone. Thanks.

 

[Hoosier]

Check out the line to the right of 7.

You can find it by clicking the 3 under my avatar to the right of "Blog Entries:" and then clicking Flavoring Levels blog.

 

[Heabob]

Using too much sweetener or EM can cause flavor fade over time.

As does using too much flavoring.

Some citrus flavors will also fade, after like 3-4+ weeks.

 

[muranternet]

Using too much sweetener or EM can cause flavor fade over time.

As does using too much flavoring.

Some citrus flavors will also fade, after like 3-4+ weeks.

I try to use zero to minimal sweetener and lower flavor percentages in general. The fruit fade may be what I'm experiencing. Is it better to go all-in on fruits and not taste for 4 weeks? I want a juice that stays decent for as long a window as possible so I can put it on a shelf and grab it when I feel like it, or send it to a friend who may put it away for a month before using it.

 

[junior28186]

hoosier has a point, i've learned much from him check his blog it's a must for beginners.


i make 500ml batches of various fruitss and never experienced flavor fading yet

 

[muranternet]

Hmm, I'll give them some more time of course. My required curing time might be longer than I think. Thanks.

 

[Heabob]

Strawberry is a tough one for me because I hate them all so far, like Cherry & Raspberry, Yuk.

The fruit mixes normally don't need much steep time, unless you're adding Vanillas, Custards, or Creams.
Even then, a week should be good enough.

Maybe some of your flavors are old, or were already old when purchased.
Other brands of flavoring may work better for you, or mixing 2 different brands of the same flavor together.
Maybe certain recipes you make that fade should only be made when needed/wanted.

In my Orange Cinnamon Danish recipe, the Orange faded a lot after a month, but not much cinnamon left either.
Maybe some strange chemical reactions going on when certain flavors are mixed, or maybe even the nicotine oxidization.

Just a few more thoughts...

 

[tyjames]

certain creams will mute a mix unexpectedly. NF Cream for example