Limon’s enigma in beer bottles
Surely you have ever wondered why beers served in white glass bottles have a slice of lemon. At first glance, it seems a decorative detail, but reality is much more fascinating. In this article we reveal the mystery after this practice that combines science and tradition. Ready to discover it?
The light and its dark paper in beer
Light, be it the sun or fluorescent, is a silent enemy for beer. For more than a century, brewers have been alert to the damage that this phenomenon can do. Storing them in dark bottles is not only an aesthetic choice, but a scientific strategy to protect their flavor. Amber and green bottles filter almost 85% of ultraviolet rays, allowing beer to maintain its freshness for longer.
The dangerous photochemistry
When the hops come into contact with the light, a degradation process begins that can ruin its exquisite aroma in a very short time. Imagine to open a beer and smell like something you would prefer not to mention; That happens when it is not protected properly. So the next time you see a careless beer in the sun, think about the disaster that could be happening inside that bottle that should be a party on your palate.
A science hit: the North Carolina study
A group of researchers at the University of North Carolina, in 2001, decided to peel the onion of the photodegradant phenomenon. Using laser rays and advanced technology, they discovered how isohumulonas, responsible for bitter taste, break down under the light. The study revealed that some of these compounds are fragmented and, in doing so, they generate quite little appetizing odors, comparable to the stench that you can find in a zorrillo. Would you dare to try a beer with that aromatic profile?
The fight between flavors
Historically, brewers have used alcohol and hops not only to give flavor, but also to prevent bacterial contamination. But today, with the arrival of cooling and pasteurization, the quality of beer remains under control. However, the challenge of flavor persists. Some brands are at the forefront, looking for chemically modified hops that resist better light and deterioration.
The lemon: an unexpected ally
The use of lemon is not only a visual trick, but it has become a rather popular resource to mask those undesirable aromas that may arise. While the young public tends to enjoy this refreshing combination, traditional beer fans can see the addition of lemon as a heresy. But what does it matter! Everyone has their palate and their way of enjoying a beer.
Final reflections: a world of beers best protected?
The search to improve beer conservation has led the industry to innovate and adapt to modern challenges. Although the use of white glass bottles for beer remains questioned, science behind this practice gives us a deeper appreciation. So, the next time you lift your beer bottle, either with or without lemon, remember that there is much more than it seems. Health to science and beer traditions!
