Know All About Malt and the Role It Plays As a Healthy (or Unhealthy?) Sweetener

The production of malt

For preparing several types of malt, the green malt is fed into a roaster to get the desired colour and flavour after caramelising it at a set temperature. Malting is the process of drying the natural cereal grain that has been soaked in water and that has sprouted. Hot air drying stops the grains’ germination and produces some enzymes in it. These enzymes break the starch and protein into smaller chains of sugars and amino acids respectively.

What does malt taste like?

Several malt extracts are sweet as caramel due to the malt containing maltose sugar, which is similar to table sugar. These also provide a rich body to beers and release their nutty flavour. For instance, when a small percent of Château Cara Clair malt is added to light golden beers or triples, it offers a creamy head, light colour, and a clean caramel profile to enhance yeast.

On the other hand, using Château Arome malt provides an intense malt flavour yet less of the toasted notes. This type of malt makes the stronger beers shine. Some people also like the beautiful orange colour and biscuit flavour that Cara Ruby malt delivers to their beer, while also keeping the roasting aroma away. This type of malt is especially used to achieve the sweet caramel and toffee taste in beers like Scottish ale, London brown ale, and tropical stout.

Other uses of malt as a sweetener

In historical times, malt has been used for its health and medicinal benefits. It has also found good use in brewing beverages like single malt scotch and whiskey. However, it has now found newer uses as a sweetener in energy drinks, milkshakes, bread, cakes and even protein bars. The types like Château Cara Clair malt are great to achieve a hint of its flavour in many confectionery items. While malted milk, vinegar and cereals have picked up, let us see if they are a healthier choice with malt acting as a sweetener in them.

Benefits of malt and caution with its use

Malt contains several minerals, vitamins and amino acids that are good to maintain the overall health of individuals. Some studies have shown that the process of malting increases protein and fibre and reduces fat content in pearl millet, thus making it more nutritious. By supporting the growth of probiotics, malt also contributes to gut health, good digestion, and immunity. Additionally, studies have indicated that malt helps in lowering bad cholesterol levels.

Malt even improves mental health due to the presence of mood-boosting hordenine in it. While malt has been replacing table sugar due to its nutritional benefits, it is critical to understand that one should not depend excessively on such sweet foods that replace sugar with malt. There is no valid evidence to prove that malt does not increase blood sugar levels or may not lead to obesity or diabetes on higher intake. Rather, it increases the risk of such diseases.

Thus, whether you cherish Cara Ruby malt or Château Arome malt in your beverage, make sure you enjoy its natural sweetness but refrain from excessive consumption.