≡Beer Was Safer Than Water
Beer Was Safer Than Water
In the Middle Ages, water was often contaminated, while boiling beer wort killed bacteria.
Children and adults drank “small beer” daily as a safe and nutritious beverage.
This shows how beer was an essential part of the diet and public health at the time.
The Monks
During Lent, monks brewed strong and nutritious beers.
The drink was called “liquid bread” and did not break the fast.
Beer served as a source of energy and nutrients during periods of dietary restriction.
Hops
Before hops were used, herb mixtures called gruit flavored beer and added various properties.
Some of these herbs had medicinal or even hallucinogenic effects.
This shows how beer historically had both recreational and therapeutic functions.
Women Ruled Beer
The first brewers were women, known as alewives.
The use of cauldrons and tall hats gave rise to stereotypes associated with witches.
This highlights the importance of women in brewing traditions before industrialization.
Beers That Survived Wars
During world wars, beer recipes were hidden to prevent them from being lost.
These secret formulas were passed down from generation to generation.
Did you know?
