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.
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.
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.