What is a Fruit or Vegetable Beer?
Everything you need to know about fruit beers & vegetable brews: where they’re from, how they taste, what foods they pair with and more in this beer style profile…
By The Beer Community on Apr. 24, 2019
Fruit & Vegetable Beers
First, let us just say that fruit/veggie beers are great! They may stray from traditional beers, but by adding new ingredients to beer, it really unleashes endless potential for wild, flavourful, (or gross) beers! From additives like cucumber or passion fruit, vegetable and fruit beers are likely the most diverse group of beer styles you’ll find. That’s great for people who like to try new things, but maybe not so great for people who are all about traditional beer.
How are fruit and vegetable beers made?
Simple – by adding fruits or vegetables to an ale or lager during the brewing process!
Fruits and vegetables can be added to the mash or as flavouring during fermentation. Many beer styles, such as Belgian Lambics (fruit) or Pumpkin Ales (vegetable) are considered a fruit / vegetable beer, and they’re widely popular because they infuse an array of different flavours. You could pretty much say, “there’s a fruit or vegetable beer for everyone!”
Essential Information About Fruit Beers & Vegetable Beers:
Regions best known for fruit & vegetable beers:
Brussels, Belgium
Appearance:
The appearance of a fruit or vegetable ranges widely and is all based on the fruit or vegetable being added in the brewing or fermentation process. The colours of fruit and vegetable brews can range from clear yellow to a dark brown.
Flavour & aroma:
The aroma of these beers should have strong notes of the fruit or vegetable the beer is highlighting. Hop notes are usually minimal to nonexistent in fruit beers.
What does a fruit beer taste like?
There usually will be little or no hop bitterness present in a fruit or vegetable beer. In most fruit beers, acidity is common and those flavours tend to be tangy, sour, or sweet.
What does a vegetable beer taste like?
Vegetable beers tend to have an earthy flavour. Think “green” + bread. They may be crisp or light up to a medium bodied, and are generally variable in color and flavour.
Foods that pair best with fruit & vegetable beers:
Fruit Beers: Pair sweet and tart fruit beers with mascarpone cheese, light white meats, salads with fruity dressings, pickled vegetables, and refreshing desserts, like sorbet.
Veggie Beers: Pair vegetable brews with foods that are driven by herbs and spices. Think duck and pork dishes, and salads with cranberries.
How to serve this type of Beer:
Most fruit beers are served in a flute glass or a snifter. Vegetable beers are often served in a pilsner glass or a pint glass. Try drinking these beers somewhere between 45-50° F (7-10° C) to get the perfect balance of flavours intended by the brewer.
Other styles that can be considered fruit & vegetable beers:
Lambic, Saison, Sour, Radler, Kriek, Pumpkin Ale, Chili Beer, Spiced or Herbed Beers, Chocolate Beer, Coffee Beer, and any beer style that uses fruit or vegetables during the brewing process.
Do you know what goes really well with fruit beers? Spice! If you like sweet with a hint of kick, check out this post on spiced fruit beers.
Want to try a great fruit or vegetable beer?
These are a few of our favourites:
Tangerine Dream Ale – 4 Mile Brewing Company
Peach Lager – Abita Brewing Company
Mango Tango – Yellowhead Brewing Company
Imperial Coolcumber – Wicked Weed Brewing
If that wasn’t enough and you’re looking for more, check out this article on
The Best Fruit Beers