Can you make alcohol with corn and water?

You can't make alcohol with just corn and water. You need something to convert the starch in corn into sugar, which yeast can then ferment into alcohol. Here's why:

* Corn is mostly starch: Corn kernels are primarily composed of starch, which is a complex carbohydrate. Yeast can't directly ferment starch.

* Yeast needs sugar: Yeast needs simple sugars like glucose or fructose to produce alcohol.

* Conversion is necessary: You need a process to break down the starch in corn into fermentable sugars.

Here's how you can make alcohol from corn:

1. Mashing: The starch in corn is converted to sugar through a process called mashing. This involves:

* Grinding: The corn kernels are ground into a fine meal.

* Cooking: The meal is cooked in water to gelatinize the starch, making it easier to break down.

* Enzymes: Enzymes (like those found in malt or commercially available) are added to break down the starch into sugars.

2. Fermentation: Once the mash has cooled down, yeast is added. The yeast will ferment the sugars, converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

3. Distillation (optional): If you want a stronger alcohol, you can distill the fermented mash to remove water and concentrate the alcohol.

Important Note: Making alcohol at home can be risky and illegal in many places. It's crucial to research and comply with your local laws before attempting to make alcohol.