Ancient history

What was medieval ale made of in middle ages?

In the Middle Ages, ale was commonly made from malted barley, although other grains such as wheat, oats, or rye could also be used. The malting process involved steeping the grains in water to allow them to germinate, and then drying them in a kiln. The dried malt was then crushed and mixed with hot water to create a mash, which was allowed to cool. Yeast was then added to the cooled mash, and the mixture was left to ferment. The fermentation process could take several days, and the resulting ale would typically be consumed within a few weeks.

The strength of medieval ale varied, but it was generally weaker than modern beer. This was due to the fact that the yeast used in medieval times was less efficient at converting sugar into alcohol. The flavor of medieval ale also differed from modern beer, as it was typically more sour and less bitter. This was due to the use of different types of hops, as well as the fact that the ale was often not boiled.

Despite the differences between medieval ale and modern beer, both beverages played an important role in medieval society. Ale was a popular drink among all classes of people, and it was often used as a form of payment. It was also an important part of religious ceremonies, and it was often used to celebrate special occasions.