Difference between Malt, Barley and Grain

Key Difference: Grain is a dry and hard seed like fruit which is produced by the cereal grasses. Barley is an important annual cereal plant which belongs to the genus Hordeum of the grass family Poaceae and is majorly used in cooking and making malts. Malt refers to the grain which is softened by water and then it is germinated and dried. It is primarily made from barley. Malt is generally used for brewing beer and distilling of whiskey.

Grain is a small and hard seed of a plant like wheat, millet and rice. They are botanically defined as the one seeded fruits belonging to the cereal class. Any food which is made from these cereal grains are known as grain products. Whole grains and refined grains are two big categories of grains. Whole grains are the ones which contain the entire grain kernel- bran, germ and endosperm. Oatmeal and brown rice are examples of whole grains. On the other hand, refined grains are those which have been milled in order to remove bran and germ.

This process helps in providing a smoother and finer texture to the grains and also extends the shelf life. However, whole grains are considered to be better than refined grains as they keep the dietary fiber, iron and Vitamins which are lost in the milling process of refined grains. White rice and white flour are examples of refined grains.

Barley is one of the important cereal grains. Its nutty flavor is loved by many people. It looks like wheat berries. However, it is lighter in appearance than wheat berries. It is a very ancient cultivated grain.

It matures early and is a short season crop. It is cultivated in varied climatic condition and also in varied land areas like irrigated or dry land. It is used in various ways, primarily as food and fodder. It is also used in the production of malt. Hush less or pear barley types of varieties are mainly preferred for consuming as food. Only certain varieties of barley are used for producing malt.

Malt refers to a grain which is sprouted and then dried by a method known as malting. It is generally made from barley; however, some other grains may also be used to prepare malt. It is usually used for brewing and distilling. The word malt has been derived from the Old English word meltan which means to melt.

Malt produced by barley is used in baked foods and flavorings. When barley is malted, it generates the enzymes responsible for converting the starches present in barley into sugars. It also produces some other proteins which can be used by yeast. The sugars and proteins both are needed by the alcoholic fermentation and therefore it is mostly used in creating the alcohols in beer.

Therefore, Grains cover barley and other types of cereal grains. On the other hand, malt is something which is produced by grains like barley. Therefore, they share an imporatnt relationship.

Comparison between Malt, Barley and Grain:

 

Malt

Barley

Grain

Definition

Malt refers to a grain which is sprouted and then dried by a method known as malting. It is generally made from barley.

Barley is one of the important cereal grains. It matures early and is a short season crop.

Grain is a small and hard seed of a plant like wheat, millet and rice. They are botanically defined as the one seeded fruit belonging to the cereal class.

Types

  • Crystal malt
  • Chocolate malt
  • 2 Row Pale malt
  • Pilsner malt
  • Munich and Vienna malt
  • Cara-Pils and Dextrin Malt
  • Malted Wheat
  • 6 row malted barley
  • Pearl barley
  • Rolled or flaked barley
  • Barley flour
  • Barley grits
  • Hulled barley
  • Scotch barley
  • Quick barley
  • Whole grains
  • Refined grains

 

Characteristics

  • It is a germinated cereal grain
  • It is germinated in order to help starches in converting to sugar
  • The process of malting reduces complex proteins and generates nutrients for yeast development
  • Flavor differs from one variety to another – can be mild, moderately or strong malty
  • Daniel Wheeler invented the technique of roasting malt at high temperatures (400F / 204.5C) to create a highly-colored malt product.
  • Its botanical name is Hordeum Vulgare
  • It has a rich nutlike flavor
  • It is a short season and early maturing crop
  • It is highly variable in adaptation and utilization
  • It is not able to tolerate high humid warm climates
  • Grain quality is determined by factors like high milling quality, low breakability, high protein an, high oil content and many more
  • Commonly cultivated for human or animal consumption
  • Whole grains are considered to be better than refines grains
  • Also known as cereals or cereal grains
  • Constitute a major source of energy

Main usage

  • Used in distilling and brewing
  • Feed Grain
  • Premier Malting and brewing grain
  • Source of food energy for humans
  • Feed Livestock
  • Malted grain is used to make whiskey, beer, malted shakes, malt vinegar, flavored drinks, etc.

Image Courtesy: kitchencourses.com, purcellmountainfarms.com, tpewhisky.e-monsite.com

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