what is yeast
Yeast are single-celled fungi that are widely distributed in nature. Yeast can use sugar as energy, and by fermenting sugar, it produces ethanol and carbon dioxide. This fermentation action is used for brewing and fermenting food, and is indispensable when making food such as bread, beer, wine, and cheese.
sake yeast
There are two main types of sake yeast. One is “sake brewing yeast” and the other is “yeast that appears in nature”.
Sake brewing yeast
Sake brewing yeast is a yeast optimized for sake production and is used to ensure a uniform taste. Sake brewing yeast has been used for brewing sake for a long time, and improvements are being made to achieve a stable taste.
Yeast that occurs in nature
Yeast that appears in the natural world is said to have a more diverse flavor than the yeast that is used exclusively for sake brewing, and some breweries use yeast that appears in the natural world. The yeast that appears in nature is a variety that is adapted to the climate and topography of the land, and it is possible to realize the unique taste of the land. However, the yeast that appears in the natural world is more unstable than the sake brewing yeast, and the taste may change, so it is said to be more difficult to handle than the brewing yeast.
Role of yeast
Yeast plays an important role in the production of sake. You can adjust the taste of sake by using sake brewing yeast or yeast that appears in nature. Yeast has the following functions.
alcohol production
Yeast creates the alcohol content of sake by converting sugar into alcohol during brewing. As the yeast ferments, the alcohol content increases, making the sake richer and more flavorful.
scent generation
The type and amount of alcohol produced by yeast determines the taste and aroma of sake. Yeast produces various aromatic compounds during the alcohol production process, which greatly affects the aroma of sake.
adjustment of taste
Yeast is one of the factors that determine the taste of sake, as the taste of sake varies greatly depending on the type of yeast. By using sake brewing yeast, you can achieve a uniform taste. On the other hand, by using naturally occurring yeasts, it is possible to achieve a taste that is unique to the land.
How to choose yeast
When drinking sake, you can enjoy a deeper flavor by paying attention to the type of yeast. Also, the taste of sake varies greatly depending on the type of yeast, so when you drink sake, you may discover something new by comparing the brands of sake breweries that use various yeasts.
summary
The type of yeast greatly influences the taste of sake. By using sake brewing yeast, you can achieve a uniform taste. On the other hand, by using naturally occurring yeasts, it is possible to achieve a taste that is unique to the land. When drinking sake, you can enjoy a deeper flavor by comparing brands of breweries that use various yeasts.
