Tag: biochemistry

Infographic on the chemistry of different types of vinegars. First, an overview of vinegar production is shown, explaining the fermentation of sugars and starches into ethanol, then the subsequent oxidation of ethanol to acetic acid. Six different varieties of vinegar are then explored: Distilled vinegar, balsamic vinegar, wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, malt vinegar, and rice vinegar. Chemical compounds of interest are highlighted for each, and also detailed in the post accompanying this image.

The sour science of vinegar varieties

Infographic on the chemistry of different types of vinegars. First, an overview of vinegar production is shown, explaining the fermentation of sugars and starches into ethanol, then the subsequent oxidation of ethanol to acetic acid. Six different varieties of vinegar are then explored: Distilled vinegar, balsamic vinegar, wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, malt vinegar, and rice vinegar. Chemical compounds of interest are highlighted for each, and also detailed in the post accompanying this image.
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The first vinegars were accidents of oxidation, wine left out too long which turned sour. The word vinegar even derives from the Latin for ‘sour wine’. Today, varieties of vinegar range from balsamic to rice vinegar, produced on a commercial basis. This graphic takes a look at some of the chemical quirks of the different types.

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How is alcohol-free beer made?

Infographic on how alcohol-free beer is made. Definitions of alcohol-free beer vary in different countries, with some allowing small amounts of alcohol. Alcohol-free beers can be produced by avoiding fermentation entirely, but this can impact flavour. More common methods include dilution (where a concentrated beer is produced then diluted), dealcoholisation (where alcohol is removed via distillation or membrane filtration) or limiting the production of alcohol (by using specialised yeast or low fermenting temperatures).
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Alcohol-free beer is increasingly popular and sought-after as people become warier of their alcohol intake. A few decades ago alcohol-free beer was a poor imitation, but these days it’s steadily improving and some examples can hold their own compared to the real thing. This graphic takes a look at how alcohol-free beer is defined, the range of ways in which it can be made, and how these methods work.

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