Calcium Carbonate (Chalk) is a salt used to increase the mineral content of brewing liquor to improve its brewing quality and produce the desired beer characteristics and neutralises and precipitates tartaric acid in wines.
Calcium Carbonate increases alkalinity for dark beers such as milds, porters and stouts and balances pH reducing the effects of dark grains in soft water areas and produce the desired beer characteristics. In wines it produces double the calcium salt of tartaric acid, whilst having minimal effect on the malic acid content. In the case where a major deacidification (around 2 g/L or higher) is necessary, calcium carbonate can be used before or during fermentation.
Benefits:
Increases wort pH.
Improves health and vigour of the yeast
Adds Calcium Ions
Reduces beer stone and can prevent gushing in beer