What ingredient is primarily used to ferment mead?

Mead is primarily fermented using honey, which is the key ingredient in its production. The fermentation process of mead involves diluting honey with water, which serves as the sugar source for fermentation. Yeasts are then added to the mixture, consuming the sugars from the honey and converting them into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

While barley is used in the production of beers, grapes in wines, and rice in sake, none of these ingredients are suitable for making mead. Instead, the unique flavors and characteristics of mead come from the variety of honey used, as well as any additional flavorings that might be added, such as fruits, spices, or herbs. This distinct use of honey is what differentiates mead from other alcoholic beverages.