Alcoholic Beverages From Plants

Alcohol

the product of a type of fungi called yeasts (often Saccharomyces)

Alcohols

organic compounds that have a hydroxyl (-OH) group

Fermentation

the process of converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide with the help of yeasts like Saccharomyces cerevisiae

C₆H₁₂O₆ → (yeast) 2 CH₃CH₂OH + 2 CO₂

biochemical pathway for the process of fermentaiton

Wine

comes from grapes and is not distilled

11-15 percent

alcohol concentration of wine

Vinification

the making of wine from fruits

Oenology

the science of wine making

destemming and crushing of grapes, primary fermentation, pressing to remove skins, racking/settling, aging, and bottling

wine making process

Beer

made from barely and not distilled

4-8 percent

alcohol concentration of beer

Sake

rice “wine” : made from rice and Aspergillus fungus (not distilled)

15-20%

Alchohol concentration of sake

Chicha

starts with chewed kernels of corn

Pulque

uses sap of agave

Beer brewing process

Malting of barely, drying + crushing, mashing, draining + adding hops for flavor, fermentation, storage/aging, pasteurization/filtering + adding carbon dioxide, packaging

Distillation

the process by which a mixture of substances is separated by their differing boiling points

Whiskey

is made from beer (barley) and is distilled

40-50%

alcohol concentration of whiskey

Brandy

made from wine (grapes) and is distilled

~40%

alchohol concentration for brandy

Bourbon

made from corn and is distilled

40%

alcohol concentration of bourbon

Vodka

made from potatoes and is distilled

(40%)

alcohol concentration of vodka

Rum

made from sugarcane and is distilled

35-40%

alcohol concentration of rum

Tequila

Made from agave and is distilled

38-40%

alcohol concentration of tequila

effects of alcohol on human body

interferes with certain neuroreceptors, may have a calming effect, releases dopamine and endorphins, elicits a feeling of well-being, slows the heart rate and breathing rate, and interferes with short term memory

Alcohol dehydrogenase

breaks down alcohol in liver

Positive health effects of alcohol

may lower risk of heart disease, promotes socialization + laughter, and may improve memory retention with low consumption in women over 60

Negative health effects of alcohol

toxicity, impairs coordination & thought, fetal alcohol syndrome, alcoholism, liver damage, brain damage, dangerous interactions with medications, risk for some cancers, risks for immune system disorders, risk for high blood pressure, risk for cardiovascular disease