The Rise of Yeast

Subtitled 'how the sugar fungus shaped civilisation', this is a fascinating account of the importance of yeast, especially in brewing, winemaking and baking. The author traces the rise of yeast to agricultural settlement, pointing out that it takes a village to run the brewery or tend a vineyard. Interestingly, it also appears that some animals enjoy fermented fruit, while the author defines us in this context as a bipedal ape that makes beer and wine wherever it settles and drinks alcohol for pleasure. The book ranges widely over the biology and potential of yeast, also controversially in relation to biofuels. There is a huge variety of yeasts, some of which have fundamental effects on our health and the microbiome. While most species are benign and symbiotic, some are hostile and undermine our immune systems. Overall, the book gives an interesting new angle on cultural evolution.