Brussels residents seek wild yeasts on fruit trees for brewing

A collaborative project in Brussels is bringing together citizens, researchers, and artists to explore the hidden world of wild yeasts found on the city's fruit trees. The initiative, named Y.E.A.S.T. (Yielding Ecology, Art, Science & Togetherness), aims to identify and map these microorganisms, which play a vital role in the region's famous lambic beer production.

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We take samples from plants and trees by rubbing them with a cotton swab. These samples are examined in a lab. In this way, we want to identify and map yeasts.

Researchers from Erasmushogeschool Brussel, along with the non-profit Bûûmplanters and artist Matthijs De Block, are collecting samples by gently rubbing swabs on plants and trees. These samples are then analyzed in a laboratory to identify the various yeast strains present. Tom Peeters, a researcher at Erasmushogeschool, explained that this process not only helps in identifying yeasts but also provides insights into the city's biodiversity.

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These yeasts can also tell us more about the biodiversity in the city.

Yoeri Bellemans of Bûûmplanters highlighted the importance of preserving old Brussels fruit varieties, noting that these traditional trees might host unique yeast strains. The project seeks to investigate whether these older fruit types, such as local plum varieties, can be used to develop new, distinct beers, further connecting the city's heritage with its contemporary brewing scene.

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With our non-profit Bûûmplanters, we try to bring old Brussels fruit varieties back to Brussels. We will investigate whether other yeasts occur on these old varieties. And these old fruit varieties can then also be used for new beers, I am thinking for example of a local variety of plums.

Artist Matthijs De Block is contributing to the project by creating an artwork that visualizes the invisible world of yeasts and microorganisms. This artwork will be exhibited during Flanders Technology & Innovation at WIELS, a center for contemporary art in Brussels, making the scientific exploration accessible to a wider audience and celebrating the intricate relationship between nature, science, and art within the urban environment.

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I try to make the invisible world of yeasts and microorganisms visible. The yeasts will be incorporated into a work of art that will be exhibited during Flanders Technology & Innovation at WIELS, the center for contemporary art in Brussels.