Question

What is the effect of chloride ion in the brewing process?

(a) Reduces wort pH

(b) Inhibits fermentation

(c) Produces toxic effect

(d) Inhibits yeast growth

This question was posed to me in unit test.

This intriguing question originated from Brewing Process in chapter SCADA System for Bioreactors, Beer and Brewing of Fermentation Technology

Answer 1

Right choice is (b) Inhibits fermentation

To elaborate: The chloride ion inhibits the fermentation at higher concentrations. It also imparts the saline taste to beer if it is present at a lower concentration of about 400 ppm.