Ancient Yeast from 5,000-Year-Old Mummy Used to Bake Sourdough Bread
Scientists make sourdough bread using yeast found in 5,000-year-old mummy

Image: The Guardian
Researchers have successfully baked sourdough bread using yeast strains extracted from Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,000-year-old mummy. The yeast, preserved in cold conditions, may also be used to brew beer, with plans for further research involving food sector experts.
- 01Yeast was extracted from Ötzi the Iceman, discovered in 1991 in the Alps.
- 02The sourdough bread rose normally within 24 hours, similar to conventional yeast.
- 03Microbiologist Mohamed Sarhan conducted the experiments at Eurac Research's Institute for Mummy Studies.
- 04Future plans include brewing beer using the ancient yeast with collaboration from food sector experts.
- 05Ötzi's body is the oldest known example of preserved tattoos, with 61 markings.
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Scientists have created sourdough bread using yeast strains derived from Ötzi the Iceman, a remarkably preserved mummy from around 5,300 years ago. The yeast was harvested from Ötzi's remains, which have been the subject of extensive research since his discovery in 1991. Microbiologist Mohamed Sarhan reported that the yeast produced a dough that rose within 24 hours, akin to standard yeast. This success has sparked interest in further applications, including brewing beer, with discussions already held with experts from the German brewery Weihenstephan. The yeast strains are believed to have entered Ötzi's body shortly after his death, as they thrive in cold environments. Ötzi remains a significant figure in archaeology, not only for his preserved state but also for revealing insights into prehistoric European life, including the oldest known tattoos, totaling 61 markings, and the mystery surrounding his death, often cited as one of the earliest cold-case murders.
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