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Process Essay-ewives And Brewers

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Alewives and brewers were peasants who had special jobs in addition to the agricultural work they did on the manor. Ale was a highly popular medieval drink that was brewed from barley or other grains. There was a step by step procedure in making ale (Singman 153). First, the seeds were heated and roasted, in a process called malting (Singman 53). This allowed the seeds to convert into soluble starches, adding flavor to the ale (Singman 53). It was then ground, boiled in water to extract its contents, and strained to remove the solid (Singman 53). Herbal flavorings were added to give more flavor and the liquid was then fermented with yeast (Singman 53). After a batch was ready, an alewife displayed a sign telling peasants the ale was ready …show more content…

Because it was the basic diet for people in the Middle Ages, each household required a large and steady supply, and the ale was served fresh (Placeway). Tenants who did work such as harvesting or plowing for the lord were well fed and enjoyed an unlimited supply of ale (Adamson 91). In medieval society, the favorite adult recreation was drinking (Gies and Gies, 1990 103). Men and women gathered in a tavern, usually in the house of a neighbor who recently brewed a batch of ale (Gies and Gies, 1990 103). Each religious community was given a gallon of ale a day, but some were allowed more if they wanted (Mortimer 87). The price of the drink was regulated by law ("The Alewife," A Writer's Perspective). Brewers were suppose to call for an ale taster before selling any ale ("The Alewife," A Writer's Perspective). An ale taster was appointed to make sure any ale sold by the alewife was made to the correct standard ("The Alewife," A Writer's Perspective). He or she regulated the brewing process and took an oath to be responsible and mature (Gies and Gies, 1978 161). The ale taster made sure the correct price was charged and the correct measures were used ("The Alewife," A Writer's Perspective). Ale was a very important part in medieval life because so many people

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