Why is yeast used in making beer and wine?

Yeast is essential for making both beer and wine because it's responsible for the fermentation process.

Here's a breakdown of how yeast works its magic:

* Sugar to Alcohol: Yeast consumes sugars present in the raw materials (grains for beer, grapes for wine). In the process, it converts these sugars into alcohol (ethanol) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

* Flavor Development: Beyond alcohol, yeast also produces various byproducts during fermentation, like esters, higher alcohols, and acids, which contribute to the complex aroma and flavor profile of the final product.

* Carbonation in Beer: In beer, the CO2 produced during fermentation is captured, resulting in the characteristic fizz and carbonation.

In a nutshell:

* Yeast is the key ingredient that transforms sugary liquids into alcoholic beverages.

* It's responsible for both the alcoholic content and the distinctive flavor of beer and wine.

It's worth noting that different strains of yeast are used for different styles of beer and wine. Brewers and winemakers carefully select yeast strains to achieve specific flavor profiles and desired characteristics.