Malting Process

The Malting Process

Malting is a process in which grains are allowed to germinate and then quickly dried in a kiln before the plant has a chance to fully develop. The malting process develops enzymes that are required to modify complex starches in the grain into simple fermentable sugars during a later step in the brewing process called mashing. Malted grains are low in moisture and can be stored for an extended period. Malted grains are also easily crushed for brewing.

Steps in the Malting Process

• Raw grains are soaked to begin germination.
• Moisture and germination is maintained until the green acrospire (sprout) reaches a length approximately the length of the grain. This takes approximately 5 days.
• Green malt is kiln dried until the level of moisture is reduced to about 6%. Darker grains may be kilned at higher temperature for an extended period to darken or roast the grain adding color and flavor.
• The brittle acrospires are separated from the grains, and the grains are packaged for shipping.

See Also

• Malt
• Ingredients

External Links

• Make Your Own Malt - BYO Magazine Article, Aug 1997