The History of Fermentation By ecogirl 220 (220 B.C.) The Chinese started using fermented tea to treat a variety of illnesses Jan 1, 1840 Schwann concluded that fermentation is the result of living things Jan 1, 1854 Louis Pateur determined fermentation was caused by yeast Jan 1, 1907 German chemist Eduard Buchner received the Nobel Peace Prize for showing that enzymes in yeast cells caused fermentation, not the yeast itself Jan 1, 1929 Two scientists Arthur Harden and Hans Euler-Cheplin won Nobel Peace Prize for determining exactly how enzymes cause fermentation Jan 1, 1940 Fermentation was beginning to be used in antibiotics Jan 1, 2000 (About 90 B.C.) Chinese used soybean curb to treat skin infections Oct 9, 2001 (8000 B.C.) Fermentation is used to make alcoholic beverages Jan 1, 2009 Today, fermentation is used in antibiotics, alcoholic beverages, to make bread rise, and preserve many types of food.