Screenings
 |
 |
 |
Good malting requires plump, even sized corns, which must be covered by an even husk without ‘gape’ or splitting. Water uptake into the grain must be at an even rate and amount; to ensure that germination all takes place at the same time and with equal vigour. Variation in husk thickness, or incomplete husk coverage will affect water uptake. Small or under-sized grains will not perform as well as ideal corns, so standards are set, based upon the percentage of grains retained over a screen.
The standard of most countries, except England and Wales, is 90% retained over a 2.5mm screen. Scottish growers trade malting barley on the 2.5mm standard, however, the standard is different for barley purchased in England, where maltsters normally accept 94% retained over a 2.25mm screen. UK brewers are attuned to this practice, and the resultant malt.
