A third of the food grown in the world is discarded, a problem that affects both farmers and the environment. During the 2023/2024 season, Spain discarded up to 400,000 tons of lemons, including lemons that did not meet the aesthetic criteria for fresh marketing.
© El Limonar de Santomera
A citrus fruit cooperative in Murcia has come up with the idea of transforming that third of the production that goes to waste into a batch fit for consumption. "This is how Clarica was born, the blonde beer made from lemons that nobody wants, but which are just as tasty," says Antonio José Moreno García, general manager of Limonar de Santomera. "Who said these lemons were ugly? Don't they have the same organoleptic characteristics as other lemons?"
"There are lemons with small scars that deserve a second life. Sustainability is not just a word in a report; it's a constant attitude. That's why we, at Limonar de Santomera, are not willing to waste a single lemon," Moreno stressed.
© El Limonar de Santomera
The cooperative has been collaborating with Yakka, a craft brewery situated in the heart of Murcia, to create this new beer. The brewery has handled the production and development process.
After testing its master formula and bottling, Clarica is now ready for market and has launched its own website: Clarica.es. It will be a limited edition available for sale starting Tuesday, July 15.
© El Limonar de Santomera
Clarica is a light, bright blonde ale with a moderate white head. It has a fresh and citric aroma, with fruity and malty notes. It has a predominantly smooth and balanced flavor, with mild bitterness and a light body with medium carbonation, which makes it refreshing and easy to drink, stated Antonio Moreno. Clarica has an alcohol content of 4.6%, and is made of barley malt, lemons, hops, and yeast, concentrating the character of its territory.
"This beer is the result of a special artisanal blend that places value on the origin and on giving a second life to lemons that were going to become waste. It's worth noting that this beer is made with lemons, so it's not a beer with lemons added, as other brands usually market," Moreno stressed.
© El Limonar de Santomera
Last season, Limonar de Santomera produced 64 million kilos of citrus: 40 million kilos of conventional lemons, and 24 million kilos of organic lemons, oranges, mandarins, and grapefruits. The Murcian cooperative exports its citrus to Europe, Canada, the United States, and the Arabian Peninsula.
For more information:
Antonio José Moreno
El Limonar de Santomera
Ctra. de Abanilla, km2, n.º 35.
30140 Santomera, Murcia. España
Email: [email protected]
el-limonar.com
www.clarica.es
