FEATURES OF GRAIN GERMINATION WITH THE USE OF AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS OF FRUIT ACIDS

Abstract

The paper describes some aspects of producing germinated cereal grain with the use of fruits acids of various concentrations. The technological process of grain germination (including washing grain, disinfection, hydration by alternate steeping and air resting, germination, and drying) has been analysed and studied. To intensify germination and disinfection of grain of various crops at the steeping stage, aqueous solutions of organic acids (citric acid, malic acid, and inactive tartaric acid) were used. The results of studying the effect of these organic acids on the energy and germination ability of grain, the flouriness of malt grain, the amino acid composition of malt, the microbiological status of grain have been presented. For each grain crop, concentrations have been determined of active substances in the solutions that activate germination and reduce the time of malt production. A higher flouriness of malt grain, being an important brewing parameter, has been shown. The effect of the considered growth stimulants on the amino acid composition of the finished product has been studied. An increase in the amino acids content indicates splitting the grain endosperm more deeply and obtaining a biologically valuable food product rich in essential amino acids. While studying the microbiological status of grain with the use of the said organic acids, their disinfecting ability towards the pathogenic microflora of the grain was observed. It has been found that the suggested method of intensifying grain germination allows obtaining eco-friendly products in a shorter time, namely, 3–6 days depending on the grain crop. It has been established that, compared to the classical technology, using fruit acids as growth stimulants allows obtaining malt of higher quality, rich in biologically active substances. These grain raw materials can be used both to brew beer and to make highly nutritious healthy food.