Husk Flashcards
What is the husk of the barley kernel?
The dry outer layer (or shell) that covers the kernel
The husk forms the outermost layer and is crucial for the protection and processing of barley.
What are the two halves that make up the husk?
- Palea
- Lemma
These two components form the complete outer layer of the barley kernel.
How does the husk protect the grain during malting?
It prevents excessive water uptake
This is particularly important for maltsters when controlling the malting process.
What impact does the silica content of the husk have?
It makes the husk abrasive, causing wear on grain handling equipment
This abrasion can lead to issues, especially in pneumatic transfer systems.
What is the role of the husk in malt storage?
It provides a natural defence against mould growth
This helps maintain the quality of barley and malt during storage.
What is the primary composition of the husk?
- Lignin
- Silica
- Cellulose
- Pentosans (arabinoxylans ~ 5% of grain pentosans)
- Polysaccharide β-glucan
- Phenolic material
These components contribute to the husk’s mechanical properties and its ability to protect the grain.
What percentage of the dry grain weight does the husk account for?
10%
Thickness can vary, with thin husks comprising 9% and thick husks up to 13% of the grain weight.
True or False: Cereals without a husk, like wheat, can have 10% more starch than barley.
True
This difference in starch content affects the characteristics of the grains.
What is a key characteristic of the husk texture?
Rough
This rough texture is important for varietal identification.
What is one of the uses of husk in the brewhouse?
It forms the filter bed in the wort separation vessel
This is essential for the brewing process.
Fill in the blank: The husk is mostly composed of _______.
Cellulose and silica
These materials contribute to the husk’s structural integrity.
What is the significance of the husk’s pigmentation?
It is used in varietal identification
This helps differentiate between various barley types.
