Food
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are Fermentors?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Fermentors are defined as a medium that encourages the fermentation process. Acting as the impetus for creating fermented substances such as wine and beer, fermentors help to establish the perfect balance of bacteria to create the desired effect. Here are some basics of how fermentors function in the creation of viticulture that helps to produce some of the beverages many of us enjoy regularly.

Winemaking begins with the selection of grapes that have the right color, texture, and taste for the creation of wine. Grapes possess a natural sweetness, which forms the basis for the creation of fermentors. During the winemaking process, the crushed grapes are placed in large vats, often oak barrels. The temperature in the vats is maintained at a constant temperature. This allows the natural bacteria found in the atmosphere to interact with the sugar content of the grapes. As the bacterium begins to absorb the sweet liquid from the grapes, it excretes carbon dioxide and alcohol.

Sauerkraut is a type of fermented dish.
Sauerkraut is a type of fermented dish.

Along with the change in the grape juice itself, the bacteria also develop fungi that attaches to the sides of the vat and helps to hasten the fermentation process. Knowing when to remove the fermenting wine so that the desired alcohol content is obtained can be tricky. However, professional wine producers monitor the process of the fermentation process closely, taking into consideration the quality of the grapes, the temperature and whether the process is proceeding on schedule or not. Understanding and applying the necessary process to create wine is usually referred to as enology or oenology.

Wine fermenting in a vat.
Wine fermenting in a vat.

Fermentors can also be created synthetically as well. Modern science is able to harness bacteria and combine it with glucose and sucrose to create fermentors that allow the manufacturing of many important medicines and other agents that help in the practice of modern medicine. For example, a number of antibiotics are created using fermentors, as well as synthetic hormones that are used for replacement therapy.

A wine barrel.
A wine barrel.

Whatever the application, there are certain characteristics required in the creation of all fermentors. Beginning with a medium such as citrus fruits, special attention must be paid to the pH balance, amount of light exposure, barometric pressure and the nutrient level of the medium. The substance created with the use of fermentors may be strained or filtered in some way after completing the process, so the desired strength is ensured. In some instances the fermentors may be used a second time; often these are referred to as growth mediums or fermentors and are used to jump-start the process with a fresh medium.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Sauerkraut is a type of fermented dish.
      Sauerkraut is a type of fermented dish.
    • Wine fermenting in a vat.
      By: imageegami
      Wine fermenting in a vat.
    • A wine barrel.
      By: Brad Pict
      A wine barrel.