This method describes the method for determining the germinative energy of barley by inducing germination in a germination box under defined conditions.
Barley intended for the production of malt is evaluated on the basis of germinative energy.
This method requires that the germination of barley be induced at a defined temperature and humidity. The germination period is three or five days.
The method provides an estimate of the portion of pre-germinated barley grains at the time of harvest or prior to storage in silos.
Barley intended for the production of malt is evaluated with regard to pre-germination.
The onset of germination is accompanied by the synthesis of enzymes, which can be made visible using fluorescein dibutyrate (FDB). The reagent fluoresces in the presence of lipases.
In order to make the enzyme activity visible, the kernels are first split in half and coated with the FDB reagent after which they are examined in a suitable measuring device under UV light. An intense yellow fluorescence can be seen in the parts of the kernels where enzyme activity is present.
Prediction of the extract content and predetermination of the processability and value of a lot of barley for brewing purposes
The behavior of barley during the malting process, which is intended for large-scale malt production, must be known.
MEBAK approved and adopted a micromalting procedure on 6 April 1971 as a standard method for predicting the extract content and for determining the suitability of barley varieties for malting. In 2003, MEBAK shortened the procedure by one day for a total of six days for vegetative growth (steeping and germination), the same length of time as the EBC procedure.
Water intended for use as an ingredient in the production of beer (brewing liquor) or other foods
A specified quantity of water is evaporated, and any remaining moisture is subsequently eliminated in a drying oven. The dry residue is then weighed.
Barley intended for the production of malt is evaluated on the basis of germinative capacity.
This method is used to determine the percentage of germination that will occur under normal malting conditions. The germination index provides a good indication of the germination capacity of a barley lot which is no longer dormant [1−3].
The method is based on the BRF/4 ml test with 4 × 100 kernels.
Barley intended for the production of malt is evaluated with regard to pre-germination.
Visible pre-germination is evident at the rootlet and is therefore grounds for rejecting a barley lot. However, after the barley is cleaned and the rootlets are removed, the so-called “hidden pre-germination” can be made visible using the staining methods described below.
Kernels suspected of having pre-germinated are boiled for ½−1 min in a 20 % solution of copper sulfate, allowed to remain for 30 min in the hot solution and are subsequently rinsed with water. The acrospire is stained green, making it clearly visible.