The Case for Organic Malts at Gilt & Flint
The Case for Organic Malt Grains in Brewing
As brewers, our craft is deeply rooted in the quality of our ingredients. At the heart of every great beer lies malt, the soul of the brew, and choosing organic malt grains is a commitment to health, harmony with the planet, and the art of brewing itself. Here, we explore why organic malt, like the malts we sourced from Warminster Malting, is not just a choice but a responsibility. One that benefits our bodies, our beers, and the Earth.
Health First: The Risks of Pesticides and Glyphosate
Conventional malt production often leans on synthetic pesticides and herbicides like glyphosate, a chemical linked to serious health concerns. The World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified glyphosate as a "probable human carcinogen" [1]. Research indicates it may disrupt gut microbiota, fuel chronic inflammation, and heighten risks of diseases such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma [2][3]. Residues of glyphosate and other pesticides can linger in grains, finding their way into our beers and, ultimately, our bodies [4].
Organic malt, grown under strict UK organic standards set by bodies like the Soil Association, shuns these harmful chemicals [5]. This ensures cleaner grains and a purer brewing process. For us at Gilt and Flint, it means crafting ales and lagers free from chemical traces, offering our patrons a healthier beer. In a world awash with synthetic compounds, this is a vital step toward safeguarding our health.
Harmony with the English Countryside: The Environmental Cost of Conventional Farming
The toll of conventional malt production on our environment is stark. Pesticides and herbicides degrade our fertile soils, harm pollinators like bees, and pollute rivers and streams, threatening biodiversity [6]. Glyphosate, in particular, persists in soil and water, damaging aquatic ecosystems and reducing the richness of our natural heritage [7]. Intensive farming practices also strip soils of organic matter, leading to erosion and diminished fertility [8].
Organic malt production, by contrast, embraces regenerative farming that works in tune with nature. At farms supplying Warminster Malting, practices like crop rotation, cover cropping, and natural pest management restore soil vitality and capture carbon [9]. These methods bolster biodiversity, support our iconic hedgerows and wildlife, and lower the carbon footprint of malt production [10]. By choosing organic, we help preserve our countryside, ensuring it thrives for future generations.
Overall Benefits: Quality, Flavour, and Purpose
The virtues of organic malt extend beyond health and environmental care. Organic grains often deliver deeper, more nuanced flavours, unmarred by chemical residues [14]. At our brewery, Warminster’s organic malt lends a distinctive character that elevates our beers, from classic bitters to hearty porters. Our customers notice it too, drawn to ales that embody authenticity and craftsmanship.
Choosing organic malt is also a declaration of intent. It reflects our dedication to brewing in a way that honours health, supports regenerative agriculture, and protects our beloved country. It’s about crafting beers that taste amazing and do good. Beers that carry our values.
References
1. International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2015). "IARC Monograph on Glyphosate." World Health Organization. https://www.iarc.who.int/featured-news/media-centre-iarc-news-glyphosate/
2. Samsel, A., & Seneff, S. (2013). "Glyphosate’s Suppression of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes and Amino Acid Biosynthesis by the Gut Microbiome: Pathways to Modern Diseases." *Entropy*, 15(4), 1416-1463. https://doi.org/10.3390/e15041416
3. Zhang, L., et al. (2019). "Exposure to Glyphosate-Based Herbicides and Risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Meta-Analysis and Supporting Evidence." *Mutation Research/Reviews in Mutation Research*, 781, 186-206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mrrev.2019.02.001
4. Brewers Association. (2018). "Glyphosate in Beer: What Brewers Need to Know." https://www.brewersassociation.org/insights/glyphosate-in-beer/
5. Soil Association. (2023). "Organic Standards for Farming and Growing." https://www.soilassociation.org/our-standards/
6. Pimentel, D. (2005). "Environmental and Economic Costs of the Application of Pesticides Primarily in the United States." *Environment, Development and Sustainability*, 7, 229-252. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-005-7314-2
7. Battaglin, W. A., et al. (2014). "Glyphosate and Its Degradation Product AMPA Occur Frequently and Widely in U.S. Soils, Surface Water, Groundwater, and Precipitation." *Journal of the American Water Resources Association*, 50(2), 275-290. https://doi.org/10.1111/jawr.12159
8. Montgomery, D. R. (2007). "Soil Erosion and Agricultural Sustainability." *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, 104(33), 13268-13272. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0705289104
9. Rodale Institute. (2020). "Regenerative Organic Agriculture and Climate Change." https://rodaleinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/Rodale-Institute-Regenerative-Organic-Agriculture-and-Climate-Change.pdf
10. LaCanne, C. E., & Lundgren, J. G. (2018). "Regenerative Agriculture: Merging Farming and Natural Resource Conservation Profitably." *PeerJ*, 6, e4428. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4428
11. Warminster Maltings. (2023). "The Art of Floor Malting." https://www.warminstermalt.co.uk/about-us/
12. Lal, R. (2020). "Regenerative Agriculture for Food and Climate." *Journal of Soil and Water Conservation*, 75(5), 123A-128A. https://doi.org/10.2489/jswc.2020.0620A
13. Rhodes, C. J. (2017). "The Imperative for Regenerative Agriculture." *Science Progress*, 100(1), 80-129. https://doi.org/10.3184/003685017X14876775256165
14. Bourn, D., & Prescott, J. (2002). "A Comparison of the Nutritional Value, Sensory Qualities, and Food Safety of Organically and Conventionally Produced Foods." *Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition*, 42(1), 1-34. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408690290825439
