(2.3) Revival of Native Grains

Revival of Ancient Grains in Belgian Brewing

The revival of ancient grains in Belgian brewing marks a profound intersection of tradition, sustainability, and innovation. Several breweries have taken initiatives to incorporate heritage grains into their production processes, not only to enrich the flavor profile of their beers but also to contribute to biodiversity, cultural preservation, and sustainable farming practices.

Drie Fonteinen Grain Project

The Drie Fonteinen Grain Project is an innovative initiative led by the iconic Belgian lambic brewery, Brouwerij 3 Fonteinen. This project focuses on the revival and promotion of traditional and sustainable grain farming practices to produce high-quality ingredients for brewing lambic beer. By partnering with local farmers, Drie Fonteinen aims to reconnect modern brewing with the agricultural heritage of the Pajottenland and Zenne Valley regions, areas historically known for their lambic production.

Reviving Heritage Grains: The project emphasizes the cultivation of heritage grains, such as spelt, einkorn, and emmer, which were historically used in lambic brewing. These grains not only enhance the flavor complexity of the beer but also promote biodiversity and soil health.

Sustainability and Local Partnerships: Drie Fonteinen collaborates with local farmers to implement sustainable agricultural practices. By focusing on organic and regenerative farming techniques, the project aims to reduce the environmental impact of grain production while supporting the local farming economy.

Quality and Innovation: The grains produced through this project are meticulously selected for their brewing potential, ensuring that they meet the high standards required for lambic production. This initiative also fosters experimentation with traditional brewing methods, further enriching the diversity and authenticity of Belgian lambic beers.

Educational and Cultural Impact: Beyond brewing, the Drie Fonteinen Grain Project serves as an educational platform to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable agriculture and its connection to beer production. It also highlights the cultural significance of lambic beer as a product deeply rooted in the history and landscape of Belgium.

By bridging the gap between agriculture and brewing, the Drie Fonteinen Grain Project exemplifies how traditional practices can be adapted to modern sustainability goals, preserving the unique character of Belgian lambic beer for future generations.

Other Breweries Embracing Ancient Grains

Several other Belgian breweries are actively participating in the revival of ancient grains, each contributing unique practices and traditions to this movement.

Brasserie Brunehaut: Located in Brunehaut, Belgium, this artisanal brewery employs ancient Belgian brewing recipes dating back to 1096. Brunehaut grows its own barley and wheat within the local terroir at Domaine de Graux, producing gluten-free, organic beers certified by Belgian Certisys. Their commitment to eco-conscious brewing is further demonstrated by powering production with rooftop solar arrays.

Hof ten Dormaal: A farmhouse brewery based in Tildonk, Hof ten Dormaal grows all its ingredients, including grains and hops, on its own farm. This self-sustaining approach ensures quality control and maintains traditional Belgian brewing practices. The brewery’s closed-loop system repurposes spent grain as feed for farm animals, exemplifying the synergy between agriculture and brewing.

Brouwerij Bosteels: Known for producing Tripel Karmeliet, Brouwerij Bosteels uses three types of grains—wheat, oats, and barley—in its brewing process. This recipe, derived from a 1679 formula from the Carmelite convent in Dendermonde, showcases the brewery’s dedication to historical brewing methods. The use of diverse grains results in complex and distinctive flavor profiles.

These breweries exemplify how ancient grains and traditional farming methods can be integrated into modern brewing, reinforcing Belgium’s reputation as a hub of innovation and cultural preservation in the beer industry.

Together, the efforts of Drie Fonteinen and other pioneering breweries underscore the importance of sustainability, heritage, and quality in Belgian beer culture. By embracing ancient grains, these breweries ensure that Belgium’s rich brewing legacy continues to thrive while addressing contemporary environmental and agricultural challenges.