If the germ theory is relatively new, how do they think fermentation was happening (like wine, ale, yogurt etc.) thousands of years ago?

Question

If the germ theory is relatively new, how do they think fermentation was happening (like wine, ale, yogurt etc.) thousands of years ago?

In: 613

Answer 1

As others have said, they thought it was magic and/or “just happened.” In fact, the German Beer Purity Law (Reinheitsgebot) originally stated that beer could only contain water, barley, and hops. It was only later (when they found out about fermentation) that it was amended to include yeast.