Beer is a drink familiar to many who may have ordered a few of them in a bar, had a huge bash on their twenty-first birthday, or had one or more with a meal more than once. Beer brewing, a process the average beer drinker may be a little less familiar with, is the first step as far as turning yeast, malt, hops, and water from four essential parts to a cold, refreshing beverage a person can enjoy at the table.
History
Beer is a beverage which dates back thousands of years, and fermentation is a process ancient civilizations were familiar with.
Function
Fermentation is the process in which yeast devours sugar and converts in into ethyl alcohol and carbon dioxide.
Significance
The alcohol content and carbonation found in a beer both come from the process of fermentation.
Expert Insight
Fermentation requires a significant amount of heat. Commercial brewers use stainless steel containers to do the job, but most people interested in home brewing use glass containers.
Fun Fact
The point in time when yeast is added to a batch of brew is the moment when it is first considered beer.
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