Lesson 2 - Barley

We now look inside the barley kernel and consider each component. Some of its components, such as the cell wall material can cause filtration problems during the brewing process. Other components can assist the brewing process, for example, the husk is used in the wort separation vessel to help filter wort.

Let’s quickly revise the basic barley kernel structure and components, using the diagram below to help us:

Figure: Basic barley structure

Husk – This is the grain’s dry covering.

Pericarp and testa – Form the layers directly underneath the husk.

Aleurone layer – This layer of living cells produces enzymes which help to break down the endosperm, producing food for the growing embryo.

Endosperm – This is the developing embryo’s food store. It is mostly starch but also contains protein and other nutrients.

Scutellum – Its name comes from Latin and means ‘small shield’. The scutellum’s main task is transferring nutrients to the embryo during germination.

Embryo (germ) – Like the aleurone layer, the embryo is alive (or at least the maltsters hope it is!) and germinates, growing into a plant.

We consider each component in more detail, next.