How to Ancient Mesopotamian Beer Brewing

What You Need to Know

The process required soaking barley in water to create a porridge, then mixing it with crushed dates and honey, and fermenting for several days. The fermentation process was likely facilitated by wild yeast and bacteria present on the dates and barley.

Steps

1. 1.

   Sikaru (Sumerian): Primary fermentation method for ceremonial beer

2. 2.

   Babylonian Beer Bread (Babylonian): Used fermented beer as leavening agent

3. 3.

   Ninkasi's Brew (Temple of Ninkasi): Sacred fermentation process documented in hymns

The Science

Primary Reaction

fermentation

Common Mistakes