How to Make Organic Beer
Organic food and beverage products are becoming more mainstream. Not only are buying and consuming these types of products gaining in popularity, but making them at home is also on the rise. The market is reacting to this increase in demand. The home beer brewer now has plenty of options. The difference in making organic versus conventional brew is simple--it's all in the ingredients, as the process is the same. Follow these steps. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Organic hops
- Water
- Barley malt
- Yeast
- Organic air-tight container
- Bottles
Instructions
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Educate yourself about organic ingredients. All organic product standards are set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Organic beer is judged on the percentage of the amount of organic used. Only 5 percent of the ingredients used in an organic beer can be non-organic. At home, you set your own standard. You may choose to go all organic, such as using 100 percent organic ingredients, including the materials that the brew container is made from.
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Understand the cost. Brewing organic beer is more expensive that brewing conventional beer because the ingredients are more expensive. The cost is also increased because the yields are typically reduced because the chemicals that increase the production amounts are not used. The average cost for an organic home brewer to get started will begin at about $200 for a small batch. This will include all the equipment plus the organic ingredients.
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Buy the ingredients. This is easier than you may think. More home brew suppliers are offering all you need to start making your own organic beer at home. You will need water, hops, barley malt and yeast. These can be found at a local home brew store.
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Understand the process. The brew process starts by combining the water, hops and malt and bringing them to a boil. The amounts used will depend on the amount you wish to brew. Talk to your local home brew supply store about specific ratios. The mixture is then cooled and the yeast is added. This mixture is then placed in an airtight container.
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Wait it out. The yeast starts to consume the sugar in the mixture. After about seven to 14 days the yeast will have done its job and will fall to the bottom of the air-tight container.
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Bottle the brew. The final step is to bottle the brew and to allow it to mature for up to a few weeks. It is then ready to crack open. So sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
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