This disclosure relates to methods to increase hydrolytic enzyme activity in a barley grain. The methods include application of photon energy to barley grain during the germination period of a malting process. The applied photon energy causes a stress to the barley grain that is sufficient to increase enzymatic levels and/or reduce the germination period.

This disclosure relates to methods to increase hydrolytic enzyme activity in a barley grain. The methods include application of photon energy to barley grain during the germination period of a malting process. The applied photon energy causes a stress to the barley grain that is sufficient to increase enzymatic levels and/or reduce the germination period.

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).

Disclosed herein is a process for producing a steeped grain comprising steeping at least one grain at a temperature from about 2° C. to about 29° C. for a period of time less than about 24 hours to a moisture content ranging from about 29% to about 38%; optionally, germinating the at least one grain for less than about 2 days; and kilning with controlled air circulation the at least one grain at a temperature ranging from at least about 49° C. to about 93° C. for less than about 20 hours to a moisture content of about 7% to about 16%. Also disclosed herein is a sprouted grain prepared from the processes disclosed herein. Further disclosed herein are a dough comprising steeped whole grains prepared from the processes disclosed herein, as well as baked goods and beverages comprising steeped whole grains prepared from the processed disclosed herein.

Disclosed herein is a process for producing a steeped grain comprising steeping at least one grain at a temperature from about 2° C. to about 29° C. for a period of time less than about 24 hours to a moisture content ranging from about 29% to about 38%; optionally, germinating the at least one grain for less than about 2 days; and kilning with controlled air circulation the at least one grain at a temperature ranging from at least about 49° C. to about 93° C. for less than about 20 hours to a moisture content of about 7% to about 16%. Also disclosed herein is a sprouted grain prepared from the processes disclosed herein. Further disclosed herein are a dough comprising steeped whole grains prepared from the processes disclosed herein, as well as baked goods and beverages comprising steeped whole grains prepared from the processed disclosed herein.

A dry-milling ethanol process includes the steps of: dry-milling corn kernels to form a corn flour; combining the corn flour with water to form a mash; fermenting the mash thereby producing beer and carbon dioxide; adding an alkanesulfonic acid to the beer in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH to a range of from about 3 to about 5; distilling the beer to produce ethanol and whole stillage; and processing the whole stillage to produce wet distiller's grains with solubles and/or dried distiller's grains with solubles.

A dry-milling ethanol process includes the steps of: dry-milling corn kernels to form a corn flour; combining the corn flour with water to form a mash; fermenting the mash thereby producing beer and carbon dioxide; adding an alkanesulfonic acid to the beer in an amount sufficient to adjust the pH to a range of from about 3 to about 5; distilling the beer to produce ethanol and whole stillage; and processing the whole stillage to produce wet distiller's grains with solubles and/or dried distiller's grains with solubles.

Methods and systems for malting a granular material. Systems in accordance with various embodiments include a first tank, a second tank positioned below the first tank, and a transfer device operably positioned between the first tank and the second tank. The transfer device includes a plurality of pipes for transferring material from the first tank to the second tank.

Methods and systems for malting a granular material. Systems in accordance with various embodiments include a first tank, a second tank positioned below the first tank, and a transfer device operably positioned between the first tank and the second tank. The transfer device includes a plurality of pipes for transferring material from the first tank to the second tank.