This method describes how to determine malted barley varieties and how to detect mixtures of different barley varieties in one lot of malt.
Malt intended for use in beer brewing or elsewhere in the food industry
This method evaluates the varietal purity of a sample of malting barley with the aid of image processing, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technology.
A scanning device is utilized to obtain a high resolution image of a sample of barley kernels. Algorithms are then applied to detect and segment each individual kernel captured in the image. Subsequently, each individual kernel is analyzed by a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) with a layer structure that has been specifically selected and developed for analyzing and classifying agricultural commodities. The CNN is trained with verified information (also known as "ground truth") so that it can differentiate barley varieties. The ground truth consists of pure samples of kernels from different barley varieties that were previously digitized using the device and comprises the full data set (artificial intelligence models). In order to obtain accurate artificial intelligence models, the algorithms must be trained to recognize the wide range of variability present in the pure samples, such as those collected from varieties grown in different regions and under varying conditions as well as from various crop years. The purpose of training is to teach the algorithms to understand and detect the patterns unique to each variety that can be used to distinguish it. Once trained, the algorithms are capable of accurately predicting the varietal purity of an unknown sample of barley kernels, provided that the variety has been integrated into the artificial intelligence models.
This method describes how to determine not only the variety of barley but whether a lot of barley consists of a mix of varieties.
Barley intended for malt production as well as barley malt
Separation and identification of the protein (hordein) fraction of barley or barley malt by means of gel electrophoresis. The method is suitable for all types of barley, as long as reference substances are available. However, the method cannot be used to identify barley varieties used to produce malt that has been so strongly modified that the protein fraction is almost completely degraded.
Whole leaf hops which are intended for use in the brewing and food production industries
Whole leaf hops are typically evaluated before being processed further by hop product manufacturers or prior to use in a brewery. It is recommended that an evaluation sheet be used for manual evaluation of hops such as the "Evaluation Form" from the Gesellschaft für Hopfenforschung e.V.
This method describes the conditions under which sensory analysis should be carried out.
beer, beer-based beverages, non-alcoholic beverages, mineral water
One of the basic prerequisites for properly conducting sensory analysis is selecting suitable candidates to serve as members of the tasting panel.