Question

How is beer made?

1) Fermentation of barley
2) Distillation of hops
3) Carbonation of water
4) Filtering of yeast

Answer 1

Beer is made through the fermentation of barley by yeast, producing ethyl alcohol and CO2. This process includes malting, mashing, boiling, fermenting, conditioning, and packaging. Natural carbonation occurs during fermentation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The process of making beer is an application of commercial fermentation. Beer is produced through the fermentation of barley, which involves the reaction of glucose by yeast cells. There are several stages in beer production:

1. Malting: Barley grains are germinated and then dried in a kiln, which produces malt.
2. Mashing: The malt is mixed with hot water to convert the starches into fermentable sugars, creating a sweet liquid called wort.
3. Boiling: Hops are added for flavoring during the boil. This process also sterilizes the wort.
4. Fermentation: The wort is cooled and yeast is added. The yeast consumes the sugars and produces ethyl alcohol and CO2, causing carbonation.
5. Conditioning: The beer matures, which can happen in tanks or in the bottle, allowing flavors to meld.
6. Packaging: The beer is filtered to remove yeast and other solids, and then it is packaged into kegs, bottles, or cans.

Microbrewery vats and tubular tower fermentors are some of the equipment types used in this process. Carbonated beverages, including beer, can be naturally carbonated through fermentation or by adding CO2 under high pressure. However, natural carbonation as a result of fermentation is essential to beer production.