Elusive Yeast That Gave Rise to Lagers Found in Europe for the First Time
Discovery in Ireland
Researchers in Ireland have made a groundbreaking discovery: the ancestral yeast strain, Saccharomyces eubayanus, which played a crucial role in the development of popular lager-style beers. This is the first time this elusive yeast has been identified in Europe. The discovery was made by a group of undergraduate students at University College Dublin, who found the yeast strain lurking in the soil of their campus.
The Importance of Yeast in Brewing
Yeast is an indispensable ingredient in the brewing process. During fermentation, yeast transforms water, hops, and grains into a delicious, bubbly alcoholic beverage. The type of yeast used determines whether the beer is an ale or a lager.
The Mystery of S. eubayanus
Researchers first detected S. eubayanus in the Patagonian Andes in 2011. They subsequently found it in North America, China, Tibet, and New Zealand. However, despite the fact that lagers likely originated in Bavaria toward the end of the Middle Ages, S. eubayanus had never been identified in Europe—until now.
The Journey of S. eubayanus
Based on its genetics, scientists suspect that S. eubayanus may have traveled from South America to Asia before making its way to Germany. However, additional research is needed to confirm this theory.
From Ales to Lagers
In Europe, early brewers specialized in making ales, which used Saccharomyces cerevisiae, also known as brewer’s yeast. However, in 1516, Bavarian leaders instituted new rules that limited beer-making to the cold, winter months. As a result, brewer’s yeast struggled to thrive in the colder temperatures. Instead, the more cold-tolerant Saccharomyces pastorianus—a hybrid made from brewer’s yeast and S. eubayanus—gained prominence, and brewers shifted their focus from ales to lagers.
The Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of S. eubayanus in Europe provides another clue to how this fungus traveled around the world. Researchers hope that further study of this yeast strain will shed light on its journey to Bavaria and the development of lager-style beers.
Future Research and Applications
Now that researchers have discovered S. eubayanus in Irish soil, they plan to collaborate with a brewery to experiment with using the yeast to make a celebratory brew. While the beer may not be particularly tasty—S. eubayanus is not known for producing flavorful beverages—the experiment will provide valuable insights into the brewing process and the history of lager beers.