What nutrient is crucial for yeast health in the wort?

Free amino nitrogen (FAN) is essential for yeast health during fermentation. It serves as a critical nitrogen source that yeast cells require for protein synthesis, cell growth, and the production of viable yeast populations. During the fermentation process, yeast utilize amino acids and other nitrogenous compounds present in the wort to support their metabolic activities.

While glucose is important as a primary fermentable sugar providing energy for yeast, it does not fulfill the nitrogen requirements necessary for yeast health. Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of fermentation and plays no direct role in yeast nutrition, and esters are flavor compounds produced by yeast during fermentation, rather than nutrients. Therefore, free amino nitrogen is the key nutrient that supports robust yeast health, ensuring a successful fermentation process.