The primary ingredient used in making beer is malted barley. Malted barley undergoes a process known as malting, where it is soaked in water, allowed to germinate, and then dried. This process develops enzymes that convert starches in the barley into fermentable sugars during mashing. The malt provides not only sugars for fermentation but also contributes to the flavor, color, and body of the beer. Other ingredients, including hops, yeast, and water, are also essential in brewing, but malted barley remains the cornerstone of beer production, influencing its character and quality.