What organism is used to produce beer?

Here's how it works:

1. Malt is produced: Grains, typically barley, are germinated and dried to create malt. This process breaks down starches into sugars.

2. Wort is brewed: The malt is crushed and mixed with hot water, extracting the sugars. This liquid is called wort.

3. Yeast is added: The yeast is pitched (added) to the wort.

4. Fermentation occurs: The yeast consumes the sugars and produces alcohol and carbon dioxide as byproducts.

5. Maturation: The beer is stored to allow the flavors to develop and settle.

So, while the beer brewing process involves various ingredients and steps, the key player in converting sugars into alcohol and giving beer its signature character is the yeast.