Malt and Other Sources of Sugar Flashcards
List some of the grains that may be used in making beer
- Barley
- Wheat
- Rice
- Oats
- Sorghum
Describe the makeup of a grain
A grain contains an embryo with a store of energy (starches) inside a protective casing (husk). As the embryo grows it releases enzymes that converted starches to sugars for use in growth
What is malting (generally)?
A process that mimics the growth conditions for the grain, causing release of enzymes and conversion fo starches into sugars.
List the steps in the malting process
- Steeping
- Germination
- Kilning
What is steeping?
Submerging milled grains in hot water
What is germination?
The growth of the grain embryo so that enzymes are produced
What is kilning?
Stopping germination by drying the mash with warm air in a kiln, also resulting in production of colors and aromas
Why is it necessary to stop germination by kilning?
If germination continued, the grain would use up the store of starch (therefore sugars) and grow into a new plant
What are the types of malt?
- Base malts
- Specialty malts
What is a base malt?
Makes up the majority of malt used in brewing processes. Heated to lower temperatures than specialty malts, minimizing damage to enzymes.
What characteristics do base malts give beer?
Lighter aromas (water cracker, bread dough, bread crumb, light honey) and colors (straw to gold)
What is a specialty malt?
Malts that are kilned at higher temperatures and longer times. Often used in small amounts in combination with base malts.
What characteristics do specialty malts give beer?
Give deeper colors (amber to black) and aromas (digestive biscuit/graham cracker, bread crust, toasted bread, toasted nut, caramel, dried fruits, candy floss, coffee, chocolate)
What adjuncts (other sources of sugar) are often used in making beer?
- Wheat
- Corn
- Rice
- Oats
- Sugars and syrups
What characteristics does wheat give to a beer?
- Haziness
- Smooth, creamy texture