Hop (Humulus lupulus L.), as a key ingredient for beer brewing, is also a source of many biologically active molecules. A notable compound, 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), structurally belonging to the group of prenylated flavonoids, was shown to be a potent phytoestrogen, and thus, became the topic of active research. Here, we overview the pharmacological properties of 8-PN and its therapeutic opportunities. Due to its estrogenic effects, administration of 8-PN represents a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms that occur as a consequence of a progressive decline in hormone levels in women. Application of 8-PN in the treatment of menopause has been clinically examined with promising results. Other activities that have already been assessed include the potential to prevent bone-resorption or inhibition of tumor growth. On the other hand, the use of phytoestrogens is frequently questioned regarding possible adverse effects associated with long-term consumption. In conclusion, we emphasize the implications of using 8-PN in future treatments of menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms, including the need for precise evidence and further investigations to define the safety risks related to its therapeutic use.

Volatile aromatic compounds have a major impact on the final organoleptic properties of cider, and their profiles are influenced by a number of parameters that are closely related to production technologies, especially with regard to the raw material, the microorganism used and the fermentation process. In this work, the profiles of volatile compounds (4 fatty acids, 6 higher alcohols and 12 esters) from 34 European ciders were studied using HS-SPME-GC-MS. Volatiles were isolated by HS-SPME using a CAR/PDMS fiber. Analytical data were statistically evaluated using principal component analysis, and differences in composition of volatiles between cider produced using “intensified” technologies and that of ciders produced by traditional production processes were demonstrated. This difference was mainly due to varying contents of some higher alcohols (2-methylpropanol, isoamyl alcohols, hexanol, and butane-2,3-diol) and esters (ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, butylacetate, and hexyl acetate).

Bottle conditioning refers to a method of adding fermenting wort or yeast suspension in sugar solution into beer in its final package. Additionally denoted as bottle refermentation, this technique has been originally developed to assure beer carbonation, and has further significance related to formation of distinctive sensory attributes and enhancement of sensory stability, which are the phenomena associated with ongoing yeast metabolic activities in the final package. This review covers historical development of the method, describes metabolic pathways applied during refermentation, and explains practical aspects of the refermentation process management. Furthermore, an overview of the traditional and novel approaches of bottle conditioning with mixed yeast bacterial cultures and its impact on the properties of final beer is provided.

Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus is a feared contaminant in the brewing industry, causing super‐attenuation and deterioration in beer quality. The aim of this study was to monitor parameters of bottled lager beer contaminated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus. Two bottled lagers with original extracts of 10.2 and 11.6% (w/w) were inoculated at 3 ± 1 or 300 ± 50 CFU/mL and stored at 8 or 23°C. Changes in the concentration of real extract, alcohol, turbidity, sugars and increase in 4‐vinyl guaiacol were monitored over 14 weeks of storage. The most significant changes were observed in beers stored at 23°C for both concentrations of contaminant. Cold storage at 8°C delayed indicators of spoilage associated with contamination by Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. diastaticus. © 2021 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling

Due to the increasing popularity of unfiltered beer, new methods for its preservation are needed. High-pressure processing (HPP) was applied as a final treatment of packed beer in order to assure storage stability and to retain the desired product quality. Pressures of 250 MPa and 550 MPa for 5 min were used to process unfiltered lager beers. The impact of pressure on basic analytical characteristics was evaluated, and foam stability, the content of carbonyl compounds and sensory properties were monitored during two months of storage. Most of the basic analytical parameters remained unaffected after pressure treatment, and a beneficial effect on foam stability was demonstrated. Changes in the concentration of staling aldehydes were observed during storage. Some features of the sensory profile were affected by HPP as well as by the time of storage. Our study evaluated the suitability of HPP as a novel method for shelf-life extension of unfiltered lager beer.