Scientists have successfully baked sourdough using yeast taken from Otzi the Iceman, a 5300-year-old mummy discovered frozen in the Austrian Alps. Researchers found yeast inside the ancient mummy’s remains and after months of painstaking work, managed to bring the prehistoric fungus back to life.
The result was a tasty loaf of sourdough bread, made from yeast that had been dormant for more than five millennia. The team behind the extraordinary experiment says brewing beer from the ancient yeast is next on the menu.
Who Was Otzi the Iceman?
Otzi the Iceman, who is believed to have been murdered by an arrow, is one of the world’s most famous and well-preserved mummies, offering scientists a unique window into life during the Copper Age. The mummified remains were found by hikers in the Austrian Alps in 1991, later dug from a glacier. He is believed to have been in his 40s when he died and around 160cm tall, sustaining on a diet of red deer and wheat.
The Experiment
Researchers extracted yeast samples from Otzi’s remains and cultured them in a laboratory. After months of careful work, the ancient yeast was revived and used to make sourdough bread. The bread was described as tasty, demonstrating that the yeast was still viable after thousands of years.
The team now plans to use the same yeast to brew beer, aiming to recreate a beverage that Otzi himself might have enjoyed. This experiment not only provides a unique culinary experience but also offers insights into ancient food preservation and fermentation techniques.
Otzi the Iceman was found in the Austrian Alps and has been studied extensively since his discovery. His remains have provided valuable information about Copper Age life, including his diet, health, and the circumstances of his death.
