Herbal beer set to launch in India
finally reach the market in 2006, claims the researcher, after
several delays to its launch.
Kanpur-based ANJS exports Ltd gained rights to the technology in 2002 from India's National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI).
But the product, known as Nebri and made from medicinal herbs and raw Dussehri mango extracts, has not yet been made available to consumers.
Dr P. Pushpangadan, director of NBRI, explained that "it took time for ANJS to set up the factory and the machines that will be needed to produce the beer."
"Their herbal beer unit at Unnao ran into rough weather after the proposed factory site area was declared agricultural land," he added.
The new ANJS factory is planning to produce 1,000 litres of beer everyday.
The beer has an optional alcohol content of 2 per cent with the quintessential tangy and carbonated fizz of the commercial beer. It is also easily digestible, liver protective and immuno-enhancing, according to the developer, as it contains antioxidants and compounds to strengthen the immune system.
"The beer is devoid of industrial alcohol and glycerine. It contains self-generated alcohol produced by fermentation of mango and medicinal herbs with yeast," explained Dr Rawat, head of the project.
Tests for fizz, taste and colour were conducted among 500 people to finally get the right mix. The herbal beer will have the same taste and colour as other beers, and also has foam similar to other beers, he said.
The trend for herbal or fruit extracts in the brewing industry is growing.Recently, the international brewer Anheuser-Busch has released a number of fruit-infused beers in test markets in the US, with flavours such as orange grapefruit, lime and cactus and pomegranate raspberry.
