Quick Answers
Barley malt would most likely be found in the baking aisle of a grocery store, near other baking ingredients like flour, sugar, baking soda, etc. It may also potentially be in the beer/wine making section, if the store has one. Some health food stores may carry it in the bulk bins section. But the most common place to find it is the baking aisle.
What is Barley Malt?
Barley malt is a key ingredient used in the beer brewing process. It provides the fermentable sugars that yeast feeds on to produce alcohol and CO2. Barley malt gives beer its sweet, malty flavor.
Specifically, barley malt is made from barley grain that has been allowed to germinate, which causes natural enzymes to break down the starch in the grain into fermentable sugars. At the peak of germination, the process is halted by drying and roasting the barley. This preserves the sugars and creates the classic malt flavor and aroma.
In addition to beer brewing, barley malt is also used as an extract in some foods and beverages to provide a sweet, malty flavor. It has a thick, syrupy consistency when extracted. Some common applications include bread, bagels, cereals, malted milkshakes, and confections like malted milk balls.
So in summary, barley malt is a sweet, malt-flavored syrup made from sprouted barley that is used to provide sugar for fermentation in beer brewing and flavoring in some foods. The sprouting and drying process is what makes regular barley into a barley malt.
Where is Barley Malt Found in the Grocery Store?
Based on its common food and beverage applications, barley malt will generally be located in the baking aisle or section of the grocery store. Here are the specific areas to look:
Baking Aisle
This is the most likely place to find barley malt in a standard grocery store. Check near the other dry baking goods like:
– Flours (all-purpose, whole wheat, etc.)
– Sugars (white, brown, powdered, etc.)
– Baking soda and powder
– Dried fruits and nuts
– Chocolate chips
– Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg
Barley malt may be on a lower shelf with specialty baking ingredients or higher up with the mainstream flours and sugars. Look for it near other grain-based ingredients.
Beer/Wine Making Section
Some grocery stores have a specialty section for home beer and wine making supplies. This is where you may find barley malt extract for brewing purposes. It will likely be near:
– Brewer’s yeast
– Malted milk powder
– Grains and adjuncts like crushed barley
– Hops
– Winemaking ingredients like sulfites and yeast nutrient
– Bottles, carboys, airlocks and other brewing equipment
So if there is a section like this, check there as well as the baking aisle.
Bulk Bins
In natural food stores or grocers with a bulk bin section, you may find barrels or bins of barley malt for sale in bulk. It would be near the other grains like:
– Whole wheat berries
– Rolled oats
– Cornmeal
– Rice
– Rye flakes
– Quinoa
– etc.
SCOOP it out into a bag and check the price per pound.
International Food Aisle
Sometimes you can find barley malt extract in the Asian or international food aisle, as it is used in some Chinese, Korean, and Japanese desserts. Check near the rice syrup, coconut milk, and Asian flours and ingredients. It may be called “malt syrup” on the label.
Tips for Locating Barley Malt
Here are some additional tips if you are having trouble locating barley malt in the grocery store:
– Ask at the customer service desk – they can look up exact product locations in their inventory system.
– Inquire at the bakery department – they may carry it for specialty baked goods.
– Check the natural foods section if there is one – it may be there rather than the standard baking aisle.
– Look for edible malted milk powder – can be substituted in some recipes.
– If it’s not on shelves, check for bulk bins where you SCOOP your own.
– Search the store’s website and check if it can be ordered for delivery if they don’t carry it in-store.
– Call ahead to ask if they carry it and where it’s located before you go.
– Stop by homebrew supply shops or beer making stores if all else fails – they always carry malt extract.
– Purchase barley malt syrup online from various retailers if you need it for a recipe.
So be diligent in your search, ask questions, and don’t give up, as many stores do carry this product somewhere in their inventory!
Health Benefits of Barley Malt
In addition to its uses in brewing and baking, barley malt also offers some health benefits:
High in Nutrients
Barley malt provides a concentrated dose of several key nutrients (1):
– Manganese – essential for enzymes and nutrient absorption
– Selenium – antioxidant that protects cells
– Copper – required for iron metabolism
– Phosphorus – supports bone health
– Vitamin B1 – converts carbs to energy
– Fiber – promotes digestive health
The sprouting process increases the bioavailability of these nutrients compared to un-sprouted barley.
Prebiotic Fiber
The malting process breaks down starch into a soluble fiber called beta-glucan, which acts as a prebiotic. This nourishes probiotic bacteria in the gut, enhancing digestive health (2).
Low Glycemic Index
Despite its sweet flavor, barley malt actually has a low glycemic index of just 25. This means it does not spike blood sugar compared to many other sweeteners (3).
Possible Antioxidant Effects
Malting increases certain amino acids and antioxidants in barley, such as phenolic acids. These compounds may provide antioxidant protection in the body (4).
However, more research is needed to determine the antioxidant capacity of barley malt itself after brewing and baking.
Contains Gluten
While barley malt has health benefits, it contains gluten and is not suitable for anyone with celiac disease or gluten-sensitivity. Be sure to avoid it if you have issues tolerating gluten.
Using Barley Malt in Baking
Here are some tips for incorporating barley malt into your homemade bakery creations:
Substitute for Molasses
Barley malt syrup can be used in place of molasses or honey in baking recipes. Use it in gingerbread, bean breads, bran muffins, or oatmeal cookies.
Start by substituting 1 cup barley malt for 1 cup molasses or honey. You may need to experiment to get the sweetness and moisture balance right.
Enrich Yeast Breads
Replace up to 1/4 of the sugar called for in yeast bread recipes with barley malt. This will create a maltier flavor and darker color. The barley malt also provides food for the yeast, helping the bread rise well.
Try it in wheat breads, whole grain sourdough, bagels, soft pretzels and sweet buns.
Make Malted Milkshake
Use 1/4 cup barley malt syrup combined with 2 cups milk and 1 cup ice cream to create a delicious old-fashioned malted milkshake. Top with whipped cream!
For extra maltiness, add a tablespoon of malted milk powder. Enjoy this treat with homemade chocolate chip cookies for dunking.
Flavor Oatmeal
Stir a few tablespoons of barley malt into a pot of oatmeal while cooking. It gives a nice hint of sweetness and malted flavor. Top with fruit, nuts, milk, or brown sugar.
Kids will love the sweet taste in their morning oats!
Boost Malt Flavor in Baked Goods
Add 2-3 tablespoons barley malt to recipes for cookies, bars, biscuits, scones, pancakes, waffles or crepes. It enhances the maltiness and imparts a lovely brown color.
Try using it in malt cookies, shortbread, brownies, banana bread, or bagels.
Using Barley Malt for Homebrewing
Barley malt is the foundation of beer wort and adds the all-important fermentable sugars. Here’s how to use it for homebrewing:
Malt Extract
Liquid malt extract or dry malt extract provides the sugars needed for fermentation. LME imparts richer malt flavor but DME is more shelf-stable.
Steep specialty grains first if the recipe calls for it, then dissolve 1-7 lbs of malt extract in water prior to boiling the wort.
All-Grain Brewing
For true all-grain brewing, use base malts like 2-row, Maris Otter, or Vienna malt. Crush the grains and steep in hot water for an hour to extract sugars. Sparge the grains to collect the wort.
Add specialty malts like chocolate malt, crystal malt, or roasted barley to create deeper colors and flavors.
Partial Mash
This combines malt extract with crushed grains for added control. Steep some specialty malts, then add malt extract for the remainder of fermentable sugars.
Mash Temperatures
The mash temperature determines the fermentability of the wort by affecting enzyme activity. For highly fermentable wort, mash at lower temperatures around 150°F. For more body and residual sweetness mash at higher temps up to 158°F.
Yeast and Fermentation
Once the malt provides the sugars, yeast ferments the wort into alcohol and CO2. Use ale yeast between 60-75°F or lager yeast around 50°F. Controlling fermentation temp is key.
Give the yeast 1-2 weeks to ferment before bottling or kegging your homebrewed beer!
Buying Guide for Barley Malt
If you decide to purchase barley malt, here are some purchasing tips:
Form
Barley malt is available in syrup, extract powder, and whole kernel form. Syrup has the richest flavor but powder mixes more easily into liquids. Whole barley requires home malting.
Color
Lighter malt syrup has a milder flavor while darker syrup is more pronounced. Color depends on the degree of kilning. Pick light, medium, or dark syrup based on your taste preference.
Ingredients
Ideally, pure barley malt extract contains only barley with no additives. However, some products contain wheat or grain sweeteners. Check the label if avoiding certain ingredients.
Price
Barley malt ranges from $5-$15 per pound generally. Organic syrup can cost more. Buying in bulk yields better unit pricing. Compare cost per ounce when choosing packages.
Uses
Consider your planned uses – baking, brewing, nutritive benefits. This will help determine which form and flavor profile to purchase. Barley malt has versatility!
Storage Tips
To get the longest shelf life and best flavor from barley malt:
Refrigeration
Keep barley malt syrup refrigerated after opening. The cold environment helps prevent microbial growth.
Airtight Container
Store in an airtight glass jar or bottle. This reduces oxidation and moisture loss. Keep powdered extract well sealed.
Freeze for Long Term
For long term storage of up to 1 year, keep barley malt syrup or extract powder in the freezer. Thaw fully before use.
Shelf Life
Unopened, barley malt syrup lasts 1 year at room temp or 2 years refrigerated. Powder lasts 6-12 months. Use opened products within 3-4 months.
Watch for Crystallization
Syrup may crystallize from temperature changes. To dissolve, warm the jar in hot water or microwave briefly until clear.
Follow these tips to extend the shelf life and maintain the quality of your barley malt. Proper storage prevents waste!
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about barley malt:
Is barley malt gluten free?
No, barley malt contains gluten since it is made from barley grain. People with celiac disease or gluten intolerance should avoid it.
Does barley malt go bad?
Yes, it can spoil over time, especially after opening. Properly stored, unopened barley malt lasts 1-2 years. Opened syrup or powder should be used within 3-4 months. Discard any that smells off or shows mold.
Can I substitute barley malt for malted milk powder?
In some recipes you can substitute an equal amount of barley malt syrup for malted milk powder, but the texture may differ. Start with 3/4 cup barley malt for every 1 cup powdered malt.
Is barley malt sweet?
Yes, barley malt has a sweet, rich flavor. The malting process converts barley starches into sugars. Syrup packs more sweetness ounce for ounce compared to malt powder.
What is barley malt used for?
Barley malt is used in brewing beer to provide fermentable sugars. It also adds flavor and body. In baking, it provides sweetness, moisture, and a malty flavor. It can be substituted for molasses or honey in many recipes.
Conclusion
In summary, barley malt is most likely to be found in the baking aisle of grocery stores, near the flours, sugars, and spices. It may also be located in a homebrew section if the store sells beer/wine ingredients. Natural food stores may carry it in bulk bins.
Barley malt adds sweetness, moisture, color, and key nutrients to baked goods. It also provides fermentable sugars for brewing. Look for barley malt syrup, powder, or grains based on your intended use.
Store opened barley malt in the fridge in an airtight container and use within 3-4 months. To extend shelf life up to 1 year, freeze the product. Properly stored barley malt will maintain optimal freshness and flavor.
So seek out this versatile ingredient and enjoy its malty goodness in your next baking or brewing project!
