There’s nothing like a cold beer on a hot day.
But your favorite pilsners, lagers and pale ales could be at risk due to climate change, experts have warned.
A new study suggests that some of Europe’s largest beer-producing regions are expected to experience a large reduction in both the quantity of hops they produce and their quality.
And this could lead to price increases or even supply shortages, scientists said.
Beer, the third most consumed beverage in the world, is made from water, barley, yeast and hops.
Your favorite Pilsner, Lager and Pale Ale could be at risk due to climate change, experts have warned (file image)
Hops, used for flavor, contain compounds called alpha acids that give beer its unique bitter aroma and also affect its quality.
The researchers collected data on beer hop yield and alpha content between 1971 and 2018 from 90 percent of European beer hop-producing regions in Germany, Czechia and Slovenia.
They found that, compared to before 1994, hops now begin to ripen 20 days earlier. This shifts the critical ripening period towards the warmer part of the season, which has a negative impact on alpha acid content.
The analysis also reveals that hop production has decreased by almost 0.2 tonnes per hectare per year, and alpha bitter content has decreased by approximately 0.6 percent.
By combining previous data with climate models, the researchers estimate that beer’s hop yield could be reduced by up to 18 percent and alpha acid content could be reduced by up to 31 percent by 2050.
The biggest falls are expected to be in southern hop-producing regions, such as Tettnag in southern Germany and Celje in Slovenia.
Some popular beer styles that use Tettnanger hops include Bitters, California Blonde Ale, Red Ale, Pilsner, Lager, American Amber Ale, and Pale Ale.
Dr. Martin Mozny, who worked on the study, explained that if the alpha content of aroma hops decreases, more hop heads will be needed for production.
“This means more expensive inputs for beer production,” he said. ‘The taste is not affected, only the price.
‘Hop availability for brewers is already a problem due to frequent crop losses. Our simulations show that the situation will get worse, hence the risk of shortages in the market.
A new study suggests that some of Europe’s largest beer-producing regions are expected to experience a large reduction in both the quantity of hops they produce and their quality (file image).
“Production of some premium or craft beers would have to be reduced due to shortages.”
The authors, from the Czech Academy of Sciences, say traditional beer hop cultivation practices must be adapted to alleviate the negative effects of climate change.
In an article in the journal Nature Communications: “In addition to water, malting barley and yeast, much more expensive hops are needed to give beer its incomparable flavor.”
‘Changes in alpha bitter acids affect hop quality, and there has recently been a shift in consumer preference towards beer aromas and flavors that rely heavily on high-quality hops.
‘As the cultivation of high-quality aroma hops is restricted to relatively small regions with suitable environmental conditions, there is a serious risk that much of this production will be affected by individual heat waves or extreme droughts which are likely to increase with the change global climate. .’
WHEN DID HUMANS START DRINKING BEER?
Humans have had a long history of alcohol consumption.
It is believed that the primitive cultures of Mesopotania could have been making remains of malted barley as early as 10,000 BC, but there are no records of this.
The oldest evidence of beer drinking dates back to northern China, 9,000 years ago.
This ancient drink was made from hawthorn fruits, wild Chinese grapes, rice and honey, and is the oldest fermented drink in history, even older than wine.
The oldest evidence of beer drinking dates back to northern China, 9,000 years ago.
To make it, the corn was ground and moistened in the brewer’s mouth to convert the corn starches into fermentable sugars, before being “spitted” into the beer.
Throughout history, alcohol consumption may have helped people be more creative, boosting the development of language, art and religion.
This is because alcohol lowers inhibitions and makes people feel more spiritual.
It is believed that the Egyptians began brewing beer around 5000 BC. C., according to the papyrus rolls.
They made things like dates, pomegranates and other native herbs.
Around the year 3150 BC. C., the Egyptians used industrial-scale breweries to provide beer to the workers who built the pyramids of Giza.
Over time, beer made its way from the Middle East to Europe, where abundant barley crops provided plenty of raw materials for brewers.
Experts have now found evidence that beer was brewed in Greece during the Bronze Age.
Researchers believe that these prehistoric people enjoyed having fun with alcoholic beverages all year round and not just when the grapes were ripe.
Not only was it considered nutritional but it was also a safe alternative to drinking water.
It was in the Middle Ages that malted barley became the main source of fermented sugar and beer became the beverage we know today.
