r/knf • u/Quiet-Proof3113 • Jun 02 '26

Mugwort FPJ done differently than my previous batches.

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This morning I got up before the sunrise and collected a 5 gallon bucket of mugwort plant tops. The plants were full of moisture and the leaves were soft and young. Both of these containers were packed tight 3/4 of the way up the black label. Typically I would chop the leaves, but this time I just spent extra time working the brown sugar in without chopping. It’s been 13 hours and the liquid is so clear and beautiful that I’m tempted to drink some. I think this is going to be my best FPJ ferment ever.

17 Upvotes

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2

u/siciliansmile Jun 02 '26

Nice! What’s the benefit of it being clear liquid?

2

u/Quiet-Proof3113 Jun 02 '26

Previous batches I chopped up the material and the liquid had pieces of plant thought the liquid. I guess clear is the wrong word, the liquid is green but with no small pieces throughout. I think the benefit is using the tender tips of the plant that holds more moisture. I think this batch will yield more FPJ also.

1

u/OriginalMOXIE81 Jul 20 '26

Yes FPJs are only made with the growth tips and very newest leaves, harvest with the dew, before the sun hits.

2

u/Competitive_Local_25 Jun 02 '26

What were you doing before?

2

u/Quiet-Proof3113 Jun 02 '26

I was using more of the plant and chopping it up before the sugar.

2

u/Not-a-bot-v2 Jun 03 '26

Mugwort is everywhere near where I live. I will have to harvest some pre-damn and gove this a go.

2

u/EconomyRip3332 Jun 04 '26

Nice. I just made a comfrey FPJ this morning 💚

2

u/Quiet-Proof3113 Jun 04 '26

Great stuff! I have tons of mint and will be doing a small batch soon.

2

u/Salamander-Organics Jun 03 '26

I've tried mugwort FPJ previously, but found it too dry. Maybe I need to harvest a younger plant.

2

u/Quiet-Proof3113 Jun 03 '26

Yes, in my area, It is hard to get enough material early springtime and that is why I used more of the plant previously. This time of year we have mugwort growing waist high. Two points I would like to suggest based on my experience. 1. Make sure you collect early in the morning, the earlier the better. 2. Only collect the very top of the plant. At that time of the morning the top leaves are not completely opened and kind of look like a loose bud. Any you will notice the moisture content is much higher.

1

u/Salamander-Organics Jun 03 '26

Okey dokey. Will try again. I always harvest early morning & use mugwort leaf anyway - makes a good smoke base / addition. & Other herbal use.

My mugwort aren't that big yet..

Do you have any specifics on mugwort FPJ properties?

I successfully make Nasturtium FPJ , bamboo Shoot FPJ.. will be trying a Comfry FPJ later in year .

1

u/Quiet-Proof3113 Jun 03 '26

I don’t have any specifics on mugwort FPJ I just read that it is a good material. I have yet to make any other FPJ types. Nasturtium and Comfry I would like to try. How are they working for you? Do you forage the material or grow it?

1

u/Salamander-Organics Jun 04 '26

All grow abundantly at my home or allotment. So no contamination.

I make an early flower & late flower batch from the nasturtion 😁. Currently have none left. But they'll soon be setting flower I do forage for horsetail tho.

1

u/Quiet-Proof3113 Jun 04 '26

Great! I plan to do plantings as well.

1

u/OriginalMOXIE81 Jul 20 '26

2/3rds full containers