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To allow the mixture to ferment, it is kept in a dark place for several days with bubbling airlocks to escape gases while keeping contaminants at bay. This fermentation phase can last from two weeks to a month, revealing a complex interplay of flavors as the bochet matures.
Cultural Significance of Mead Across Europe
The enjoyment of mead was not restricted to France; its significance extended across Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, where mead making dates back to at least 996 AD. It became an essential aspect of trade and culture. Again, the sweetness of mead captivated poets and nobles alike—like Sebastian Klonowic, who posited that mead, a "dew celestial," far surpassed the wines of Italy in its heavenly appeal.