A process of producing crystal malt in which a batch of malted grain or germinated malt having a first moisture content is provided. The batch is heated by mircowaving or steaming such that at least 85% of the batch saccharifies. During heating, the first moisture content is reduced to a second moisture content. Embodiments of a batch of crystal malt are also provided. The batch of crystal malt includes at least 90% crystallized malt kernels. Further, the batch of crystal malt contains less than 50 ppb of 4-methylimidazole (4-MeI).

A process of producing crystal malt in which a batch of malted grain or germinated malt having a first moisture content is provided. The batch is heated by mircowaving or steaming such that at least 85% of the batch saccharifies. During heating, the first moisture content is reduced to a second moisture content. Embodiments of a batch of crystal malt are also provided. The batch of crystal malt includes at least 90% crystallized malt kernels. Further, the batch of crystal malt contains less than 50 ppb of 4-methylimidazole (4-MeI).

An apparatus and associated methods of use for a controlled combination of reagents is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vessel 400, a vessel insert 220, and a cap element 200. The vessel 400 has a body portion 410 for receiving a biological sample. The vessel insert 220 receives at least one reagent therein. Preferably, the vessel insert 220 is received in a portion 420 of the vessel 400. The cap element 200 is attached to the vessel 400 to secure the vessel insert 220 in the vessel 400. During use, the vessel insert 220 is adapted to release its contents when the biological sample is introduced into the body portion 410 of the vessel 400 upon application of an intermixing force to the vessel insert 220. A variety of intermixing forces may be applied, depending upon the embodiment of the present invention and its associated methods of use.

Provided are a beverage having an effectively improved flavor, and methods for the same. A method of producing a beverage according to the present invention is a method of producing a beverage using a raw material solution, the method including: washing barley without germinating the barley; discarding a wash solution after the washing of the barley; and preparing the raw material solution using a raw material containing the washed and ungerminated barley.

Provided are a beverage having an effectively improved flavor, and methods for the same. A method of producing a beverage according to the present invention is a method of producing a beverage using a raw material solution, the method including: washing barley without germinating the barley; discarding a wash solution after the washing of the barley; and preparing the raw material solution using a raw material containing the washed and ungerminated barley.

Provided a complex bacteria for improving the corn steeping effects and usage thereof. The complex bacteria comprises strains capable of producing protease, cellulase and hemicellulase. Using the complex bacteria to steep corn, effects of reducing the addition amount of SO.sub.2, shortening the steeping time and improving the starch yield are achieved.

An apparatus and associated methods of use for a controlled combination of reagents is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vessel 400, a vessel insert 220, and a cap element 200. The vessel 400 has a body portion 410 for receiving a biological sample. The vessel insert 220 receives at least one reagent therein. Preferably, the vessel insert 220 is received in a portion 420 of the vessel 400. The cap element 200 is attached to the vessel 400 to secure the vessel insert 220 in the vessel 400. During use, the vessel insert 220 is adapted to release its contents when the biological sample is introduced into the body portion 410 of the vessel 400 upon application of an intermixing force to the vessel insert 220. A variety of intermixing forces may be applied, depending upon the embodiment of the present invention and its associated methods of use.

An apparatus and associated methods of use for a controlled combination of reagents is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vessel 400, a vessel insert 220, and a cap element 200. The vessel 400 has a body portion 410 for receiving a biological sample. The vessel insert 220 receives at least one reagent therein. Preferably, the vessel insert 220 is received in a portion 420 of the vessel 400. The cap element 200 is attached to the vessel 400 to secure the vessel insert 220 in the vessel 400. During use, the vessel insert 220 is adapted to release its contents when the biological sample is introduced into the body portion 410 of the vessel 400 upon application of an intermixing force to the vessel insert 220. A variety of intermixing forces may be applied, depending upon the embodiment of the present invention and its associated methods of use.

A method of germinating cereal grains includes: steeping cereal grains in water to obtain steeped cereal grains having average moisture content of 36 wt% to 55 wt%; adding a steviol glycoside to the steeped cereal grains to form a mixture; germinating the mixture to form a germinated mixture; and drying the germinated mixture sufficiently to result in a malt product.

A method of germinating cereal grains includes: steeping cereal grains in water to obtain steeped cereal grains having average moisture content of 36 wt% to 55 wt%; adding a steviol glycoside to the steeped cereal grains to form a mixture; germinating the mixture to form a germinated mixture; and drying the germinated mixture sufficiently to result in a malt product.