Lesson 8 - Malt Final SAQ
This lesson allows you to test yourself on the material covered in all previous malt lessons and determine the level to which you have attained the outcomes.
Suggested Response - Q3
**Malt quality is influenced by barley quality. Your barley has experienced a hot and humid season, with rain during harvest. What would you expect to see on the CoA of the malt you have purchased? Why should you hesitate to brew with this malt?
Response:
Rain during harvest can lead to germination on the ear. This is known as pre-germination. Pre-germinated barley may not germinate well, and the barley may die during storage. Look out for the following parameters on the CoA:
- High β-glucan levels
- Low Kolbach Index (KI)
- Higher percentages in the 0-1/4 and 1/4-1/2 ranges in the acrospire analysis
- Higher wort viscosity
- Lower FAN
Barley is susceptible to disease in hot and humid weather. This, in combination with rain during harvest, increases the risk of fungal infection. The biggest risk associated with fungal infections is mycotoxins. It is dangerous for both humans and animals. Fusarium must be considered, since it can negatively affect the packaged beer. Fusarium species present as a pink layer on the barley kernel. Fusarium can also cause ‘gushing’ of the final product.