Crash Course Biology - How the Fermentation Process Works

Crash Course Biology - How the Fermentation Process WorksBefore making your first batch of beer, it is important to understand the basics of fermentation. Brewing or fermenting is a common practice, with the beginnings of fermentation around 3200 B.C. With this article we will cover how the fermentation process works and the various types of fermentations.Fermentation occurs when organic matter that has become fermentable is broken down and then released from the fermenter in a liquid or semi-liquid state. This liquid and semi-liquid state are calling fermentable. The yeast which are necessary for this process eat the organic matter which gives off carbon dioxide, which then feeds on the remaining nutrient in the raw material. This process can be used to produce lager beer, ale, ale and many other types of beer.Firstly, an understanding of the different types of fermentation is important. Each type of fermentation has its own characteristics that must be understood before trying to b egin brewing with the different varieties.First is mashing, where the grain or other biomass is mashed to a mash of a specific temperature and thickness. Mashing is usually done for about two hours and it is typically an aerobic fermenter. It is used to make wort which is needed to ferment. It is possible to brew without mashing, but at least for this example it is recommended. If you don't mash for long, it is important to be aware that there may be problems with sparging and the overall brewing process.Second is lautering where the fermenter is allowed to sit until it gets cold enough to ferment. This is a bacterially fermenter, which allows oxygen to enter the fermenter in the form of carbon dioxide. Again, the oxygen allows bacteria to grow, which is beneficial for the bacteria and the subsequent use of the fermented beer.Lastly is lager, which is a style of beer where the wort is allowed to ferment naturally without any carbon dioxide added to it. This is generally used for les ser amounts of active yeast and it is used in many styles of lager. This process is commonly used in English lagers and is used to make things like brown beers, English bitters, etc. This process is different from mashing because lager wort is allowed to stay cold.These are the basics of how the different processes work and for this reason it is best to have a basic introduction of how they work so that the fermentation process is more easily understood. Once the process has been learned, it is possible to begin the brewing process on your own.