Brewer's Yeast

Oregon designated Saccharomyces cerevisiae (commonly known as brewer's yeast or baker's yeast) as the official state microbe in 2013 (Oregon is the first state to adopt a state microbe). All State Foods & Beverages

House Concurrent Resolution 12

WHEREAS Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a microorganism classified in the kingdom Fungi, has a long history of assisting in human gastronomic, cultural and scientific endeavors; and

WHEREAS Saccharomyces cerevisiae is commonly known as brewer’s yeast or baker’s yeast; and

WHEREAS dating back to ancient times, Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been used to leaven bread, converting fermentable sugars present in the dough into carbon dioxide and ethanol; and

WHEREAS the ability to generate ethanol also makes Saccharomyces cerevisiae essential to the production of alcoholic beverages such as mead, wine, beer and distilled spirits; and

WHEREAS Saccharomyces cerevisiae has inspired a thriving brewing culture in this state, making Oregon an internationally recognized hub of craft brewing and

WHEREAS Saccharomyces cerevisiae has many other important uses in such areas as nutritional supplements, natural health remedies and aquarium upkeep; and

WHEREAS Saccharomyces cerevisiae is studied as a model organism and used extensively in scientific research to further understanding of genetics, human disease and other important topics; and

WHEREAS the many meaningful uses of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its importance to the livelihood and well-being of the people of this state make it worthy of honor and recognition; now, therefore,

Be It Resolved by the Legislative Assembly of the State of Oregon:

That Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the official microbe of the State of Oregon.

(77th OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2013 Regular Session)