Pure corn mash turned to mush can I fix it?

[Skippydo72]

My first attempt at a pure corn meal mash turned to mush. Not even sure I did it right as it’s my first attempt to ferment any type of grain.
My question is can I add water to thin it out to get a SG reading and would it even be right? Maybe add sugar if I didn’t get everything converted and just try and get some flavor out of it. It’s not so thick I can’t stir it with a spoon but it’s pretty thick.
I have 6 gal of mush I’d like to try and do something with if it’s not a total loss.

[Dnderhead]

not knowing your proses cant tell. but it sounds as if you used more the 2 lb (1kg) to the gallon (4l) .if so thin it with water.
also did you mash? or is it just corn?

[Skippydo72]

I mashed to the best of my ability/knowledge and used 1lb meal to 1gal water.

[Prairiepiss]

Without malt you didn't mash. You just cooked the corn meal.

[Skippydo72]

I cooked cornmeal then.

[Dnderhead]

that is not a mash,,you need enzymes to convert starch to sugars.
these enzymes can come from malted corn,,other malted grain like barley/rye etc. or powdered enzymes.
all is not lost,,you can still convert, or thin and add sugar. (like UJSM)

[Prairiepiss]

If you cam get your hands on some malt and or powdered enzymes. Then brought it back up to mash temps. And added the malt or enzymes. You mite could get it done. While your getting malt. Get some iodine. To test for conversion.

Posted while Dnderhead was. He's the man to talk to about it.

[Skippydo72]

Thik I'll thin and add sugar.

[NcHooch]

oops ...
you could add enough water to thin it some and then add 1 pound of sugar per gallon of total volume, pitch your yeast, ...and call it a rescue.

before you try it again, check out my Carolina Bourbon recipe for some tips

[Skippydo72]

Thinks guys. Think I'll try the water and sugar then try again. I'll get it down but did't really exspect too much on my firt try anyway.

[Prairiepiss]

Hey on the bright side. You should get some good flavors out of this sugarhead.

[onthekeg]

Thik I'll thin and add sugar.

Adding sugar won't convert the starch in the corn to sugar. You still need to add enzymes or malted barley to convert the starch from the corn into sugar for the yeast.

[Dnderhead]

"Adding sugar won't convert the starch in the corn to sugar"
right but he will git some use out of it..

[RevSpaminator]

Thik I'll thin and add sugar.

I suggest you go to your local homebrew store and get some alpha enzymes. (They'll know what you are talking about.)

Even if you don't do it for this batch, it is worthwhile playing with and understanding the mashing process.