As autumn takes full effect, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a cool, crisp beverage. With breweries welcoming seasonal flavors and Oktoberfest celebrations taking place across the globe, the history of beer is likely on the minds of many.
National Inventors Hall of Fame® Inductee Louis Pasteur is often credited as the “Father of Microbiology,” and thanks to his research on fermentation, the scientific processes behind beermaking were better understood.
In the mid-19th century, Pasteur hypothesized that fermentation was caused by the growth of microorganisms – called “germs” – and that the growth of these microorganisms was responsible for spoilage of drinks like beer, wine and milk. Pasteur invented a technique of heat treatment now known as “pasteurization” that would warm liquids to certain temperatures to destroy bacteria.
Thanks to Pasteur’s dedicated studies and innovative solutions, beer lovers everywhere can enjoy their favorite beverage without fear of spoilage. As you celebrate National Drink Beer Day on Sept. 28, be sure to raise a glass to Louis Pasteur!
