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

Think of it this way,

You don’t need to know gravity works for it to do its job. You drop a ball, it falls to the ground.

Likewise if you crush grapes and let them sit they will ferment. You have wine.

You don’t need to know that there is natural yeast on the grape that eats the sugars in the grape converting it to alchohol.

You just need to know if you if you crush grapes, let them sit, and eat/drink them it makes you feel funny.