– story one.
From under the thatch to the brewery.
Beer, including home beer, has accompanied mankind since the dawn of time, and certainly since man began to settle, build settlements and cities. Originally, the beer was nothing like the beer we know today. The first home beers were made of bread mixed with water. Evidence that man has been brewing beer for centuries was found during archaeological excavations at Göbekli Tepe, a Turkish temple estimated to be around 10000 BC
History of beer
Home-made beer brewing has evolved, although it still does not resemble the golden drink we know today. The Sumerians were the first to use grains of cereals to brew beer around 4000 BC, and as additives to improve the taste, among others rosemary and dates. As the beer was not filtered, it was cloudy and had to be drunk through a straw. In antiquity, beer treated as the drink of the gods was extremely valuable. In Ancient Egypt, as a gift from the god Osiris, not only did it get its own hieroglyph, but it was also a convertible currency, if you've ever played Civilization, you probably exchanged beer for other goods.
The Babylonians were the first to use hops, and the entire production process was similar to the one we know today. Until the Middle Ages, only women were brewing home beer. Their appearance probably resulted from the later image of a witch known from all fairy tales for children. Hundredża hat, under which long hairs were hidden during the brewing of home beerłwasps. Litterła, whichą originally it was bigża spoon to mix the broth and of course a huge cauldron in which all the magic works.
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Medicine XII century
Until the XNUMXth century, the monopoly on brewing beer was almost exclusively owned by monasteries. Home beer, to which hops were increasingly added, as a preservative and therapeutic agent, was recommended for drinking. It was considered healthy and harmless. Contrary to water, which deteriorated quickly in those days and was the source of many diseases. Beer with the addition of herbs was also treated as a remedy for many ailments.
The oldest brewery discovered is in Hierakonpolis, in Upper Egypt. It was established around 3700 BC, but production flourished on a larger scale than home brewing. It is estimated to be in the Middle Ages, along with the development of monastery and court brewing, but I will tell you about the flourishing of brewing in the next story.
If you want to start brewing beer. Like the Babylonians, you need the right grains (malt), hops and water, and brewer's yeast to make the fermentation process more efficient. It is not difficult and it is a lot of fun.
How to start your home brewing adventure in Norway? Check it out on EasyBrew.no!
