Does heat affect fermentation?
Heat or thermal energy definitely affects fermentation. Just like how the sun brings life and movement to Earth’s inhabitants, heat is the energy that enables living organisms to perform activities. In this case, it specifically impacts the microbes involved in beer-making.
Why does fermentation require a warm temperature?
Fermentation of ales requires warm temperatures simply because it is a requirement of the yeast itself.
Analogously, let’s consider human requirements. The average body temperature is typically around 98.6°F (37°C), although the “normal” range spans from 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C). Within this range, activities can be carried out effectively.
With this understanding, we can conclude that ale yeasts require warm temperatures because it is a vital characteristic of the organism, which in turn affects fermentation performance.
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Why does heat speed up fermentation?
There are numerous factors, known and unknown, dependent and mutually exclusive, that influence the speed of fermentation. Each of these factors has its own optimal temperature range. For instance, certain enzymes produced by yeasts that break down and convert sugars function better towards the higher end of the yeast’s working temperature.
Furthermore, empirical observations indicate that temperature affects yeast reproduction. By subjecting them to warmer temperatures, you can effectively increase their workforce.
How warm should fermentation be?
When brewing ales, the target temperature for your fermentation liquid should fall within the range of 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C). However, this may vary depending on the recipe, so it’s not a strict rule.
What temperature is too high for fermentation?
A good reference for a high temperature would be when you, as a human, are considered sick. A temperature of 100°F (38°C) indicates a fever. Fever temperatures are intended to suppress microorganisms, so it serves as an initial warning.
As you increase the temperature beyond this dangerous baseline, you will gradually lose yeast activity. Once you reach the border between microbial life and death at 140°F (60°C), your yeast population will be completely devastated.
What happens if fermentation temperature is too high?
It will spell the end of your brewing endeavor. Your yeast population will either be completely exhausted or dead.
If you prematurely terminate the fermentation, you will need to restart the process with fresh and pre-conditioned starter cultures. However, the chances of success at this point are, well… not very promising.
