Beer — Nutrients, Health Benefits, and Shopping Tips

Considering your beer preference, whether ales, lagers, stouts, or IPAs, is important. Check for clarity or appropriate haziness specific to the style, alongside a fresh, inviting aroma. Options from local breweries often promise fresher tastes due to shorter shipping times.

Steer clear of beers that taste flat or smell like sulfur, skunk, or overly yeasty, as these characteristics can indicate spoilage. Also avoid any cans or bottles with compromised seals, affecting the beer's quality.

Beer should be stored in a cool, dark place to maintain its flavor and carbonation. Refrigeration is ideal for most types of beer, keeping it at a consistent temperature. Proper storage can help beer retain its quality for several months.

Direct sunlight and heat can cause beer to spoil and lose its flavor, so these should be avoided. Freezing beer can cause it to expand and potentially break the bottle, so this is not recommended. Keeping beer upright helps prevent sediment from settling and ensures better clarity.

Beer typically lasts for 6-24 months if unopened and stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it should be consumed within 1-2 days to enjoy its optimal flavor and carbonation.

Leftover beer can be used in a variety of culinary applications. Use it to marinate meats like chicken or beef, infusing them with a deep, malty flavor. Beer is also excellent in stews and soups, where it adds a rich, robust taste.

Beer can be reduced to make a glaze for roasted vegetables or meats, or incorporated into batters for fish and chips or onion rings. You can also use beer to make a beer bread, where its yeasty flavor adds depth to the loaf. For a unique twist, try making a beer-based dessert like a chocolate stout cake or beer ice cream. If you have extra, consider using it in cheese fondue or mixing it into a barbecue sauce for a smoky, tangy flavor. Beer can also be used in brining, where it adds moisture and flavor to the meat.