India: Herbal beer developed in India to reach the market in 2006

An Indian research institute developed a herbal beer which will reach the market in 2006. 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.

The new ANJS plans to produce 1,000 litres of beer everyday. The beer has an optional alcohol content of 2 % 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. 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.

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