Gruit

A historical type of beer brewed with herbs

Gruit

A depiction of gruit brewing in the 13th century

Gruit (also known as grut) is a historical type of beer that was brewed with a mixture of herbs, spices, and other botanicals instead of hops. This brewing method was common in Europe before the widespread adoption of hops in the late Middle Ages.

History

Gruit was the dominant form of beer in many parts of Europe from the early Middle Ages until the 16th century. The use of hops in brewing began to spread in the 11th century, but it was not until the 16th century that hopped beer became more common than gruit in most regions.

Ingredients

The specific ingredients used in gruit varied by region and availability. Common herbs included sweet gale (Myrica gale), yarrow (Achillea millefolium), and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). Other ingredients could include juniper berries, ginger, anise, and caraway.

Brewing Process

The brewing process for gruit was similar to that of other beers, with the main difference being the use of herbs instead of hops. The herbs were added during the boiling stage to extract their flavors and preserve the beer. The resulting brew was often more aromatic and sometimes more bitter than hopped beers.

Cultural Significance

Gruit was not only a beverage but also a significant part of the economy and culture in medieval Europe. The production and sale of gruit were often controlled by local authorities or religious institutions, which held the rights to the gruit mixture. This control was a source of revenue and power.

Decline and Revival

The decline of gruit began with the rise of hopped beer, which offered better preservation qualities and a more consistent flavor profile. By the 16th century, hops had largely replaced gruit in most European brewing traditions.

In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in gruit as part of the craft beer movement. Modern brewers are experimenting with traditional recipes and creating new interpretations of this ancient style.

Related pages

• Beer
• History of beer
• Herbalism
• Medieval cuisine