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Beer is the world's oldest and most popular alcoholic beverage. Some of the earliest known writings refer to the production and distribution of beer. It is produced by the fermentation of sugars derived from starch-based material (the most common being malted barley). Wheat, corn and rice are also widely used.

The starch source is steeped in water. Enzymes in the malt break down the starch molecules, producing a sugary liquid known as wort, which is then flavoured with hops (they also act as a natural preservative). Other ingredients such as herbs or fruit may be added. Yeast is then used to cause fermentation, which produces alcohol from anaerobic respiration of the yeast as it consumes the sugars. The process of beer production is called brewing.

Beer uses many varying ingredients, production methods and traditions. Different types of yeast and production methods may be used to classify beer as ale, lager or spontaneously fermented beer.