Wine is a type of alcoholic beverage made from grapes or grape juice through fermentation. It is known for its benefits in beauty and skincare, reducing swelling and weight, as well as aiding sleep. Due to the relatively simple process of wine production, many people have started making their own wine. However, do you know the risks of homemade wine?
Risk of Excessive Methanol
There is a higher risk of excessive methanol in homemade wine. Generally, if fresh grapes are used and the brewing process is done properly, there should be no excessive methanol. However, when the ingredients become moldy or the storage temperature is too high, excessive methanol can easily occur.
Harm of excessive methanol: Concentrations over 0.2% can be harmful to the human body, and severe cases can lead to coma and permanent blindness.
Recommendation: Choose fresh wine grapes such as Rose and Chardonnay, and avoid using grapes that are not fresh or rotten. High temperatures also increase the chances of methanol formation, so the brewing temperature should generally be between 20-30 degrees Celsius.
Contamination by Bacteria
One should be cautious about bacterial contamination when making homemade wine. Due to the difficulty in achieving the sterilization conditions of a factory, containers and grapes may not be thoroughly disinfected, allowing bacteria to easily remain and reproduce, which can affect the quality of the wine and be harmful to the body if consumed.
Recommendation: Clean hands thoroughly before starting the grape fermentation process, and make sure to disinfect the grapes and containers.
Improper Storage Leading to Explosions
During the storage process, some people tend to tightly pack grapes or use plastic bottles for fermenting grapes. These are incorrect practices. As the grapes ferment and produce alcohol and gas over time, the pressure inside the bottle increases, causing it to burst open. Instead of successfully making wine, there is a small explosion. It's not worth the risk.
Recommendation: Use glass bottles or ceramic jars for storing grapes, and do not tightly pack grapes. Leave one-third of the container empty to allow space for fermentation.
No Direct Link between Homemade Wine and Stomach Cancer
There is a rumor that drinking homemade wine can increase the risk of stomach cancer. However, this is a misconception. Experts state that there is no direct link between homemade wine and stomach cancer. The occurrence of tumors is influenced by multiple factors, and the human body is complex. It cannot be concluded that it is strictly related to one particular factor.
The Correct Method for Making Homemade Wine
1. Choose wine grapes, wash them thoroughly, and crush them. Place them in a glass or ceramic container, leaving one-third of the space empty. Do not crush the grape seeds, as they have a bitter taste that can affect the brewing and fermentation process.
2. Use dry yeast for fermentation. Place the glass or ceramic container in an environment with a temperature of 20-30 degrees Celsius for 5-7 days. The aromatic wine will then be ready. Store the brewed wine in a cool place.
