A latest poll conducted by Gallup revealed that an average of 63% of American adults drink alcohol and those who drink beer make up most of the above figure. This shows that the demand for beer products is high, not only in America, but in other countries in the world.
Ingredients used in the brewing process include malt, water, hops, and yeast. Yeast is a vital ingredient that is generally added during beer brewing process in the fermentation stage and adds a special taste to the beer.
What type of yeast is used to make beer and how is it made?
There is yeast type, all of which perform the same basic function. However, all of them have unique properties as well. There are four types of yeast specifically active yeast, fresh yeast, instant yeast and fast yeast. It can be used to process different foods and beverages.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae is an example of instant yeast. It should be noted that instant yeast has properties that make it effective instantly after pouring. An example is the instant leavening effect that the yeast produces as soon as it’s added.
Yeast becomes a requirement in the brewing process at the fermentation stage – the stage where yeast is added to other ingredients. Nonetheless, there are two methods by which beer can be fermented.
The first method is to put the sugar that comes from a malted grain, known as wort, in a bowl and then add yeast on top. This is known as the ale method.
The second way is when the yeast is first poured into the vessel, and the mixture obtained from the previous stages of the brewing process is added to it. This method is called the lager method.
It should be noted that the ale method allows the beer to absorb more flavors and is effective when used in higher temperature environments.
The lager method is more effective in lower temperature environments. Usually the beer fermentation process is carried out using a combination of two yeasts, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, And saccharomyces eubayanus.
Why is healthy yeast important in the brewing process?
Healthy yeast important during this process for the following reasons:
Yeast Ensures Proper Fermentation
Although beer tends to ferment if left alone, yeast makes it ferment better and faster. If yeast is not applied, the drink will slowly ferment, which becomes dangerous and toxic to consume.
This prevents the growth of harmful organisms
The addition of yeast to brewed beer prevents the growth of harmful organisms in the beer. That is, yeast is not only a fermenting agent in the brewing process but also a preservative.
This, in addition to the natural preservative qualities of hops, another key ingredient in the brewing process, is what ensures that the beer is safe to consume long after production.
Improves the texture and taste of beer
The presence of yeast in beer makes the taste and texture of beer products unique compared to other beverages. It has been found that the yeast used in the fermentation process of a particular beer largely determines the taste, taste and texture of the beer.
Gives a fizz
Yeast gives beer a special texture and taste. Also, it is crucial to note that the yeast consumes the sugars created in the dough, which leads to the production of carbon dioxide and alcohol.
Fermentation makes beer
Despite all the procedures involved in brewing beer, the fermentation stage makes it into beer. The addition of yeast allows the fermented grains and malt to ferment. No yeast, no ferment, and no ferment, malt grain can’t be called beer.
In conclusion, yeast is just as important to the brewing industry as it’s to the bakery industry. You cannot separate yeast from brewing; any try to do so is to take the full essence of what makes it into beer.
