What is Malt Barley?
Malt barley, also known as malting barley, is a specific type of barley that is primarily grown for the purpose of malting. The malting process involves soaking the barley in water, allowing it to germinate, and then halting the germination through drying.
This process activates enzymes within the barley, which are crucial for converting starches into sugars during brewing or distilling.
The Importance of Canadian Malt Barley
Canada holds a prominent position in the global malt barley market. The country’s favorable climate, nutrient-rich soil, and stringent quality control measures contribute to the production of high-quality malt barley.
Canadian Malt Barley from Bennett’s Seed is highly sought after by brewers and distillers worldwide due to its exceptional flavor, consistency, and reliability.
Canadian Malt Barley Production Statistics
Canada has consistently been one of the top barley-producing countries in the world. According to data from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the country produced approximately 9.996 million metric tons of barley in 2019.
This significant production volume positions Canada, along with Bennett’s Seed, as key players in the global malt barley market.
Canadian brewers and malt barley suppliers, such as Bennett’s Seed, often collaborate to develop new and innovative brews.
These partnerships allow brewers to experiment with different malt barley varieties and explore the vast array of flavors and aromas they can produce. Such collaborations contribute to the dynamic and evolving craft beer scene in Canada.
Canada Barley is a website managed by Bennett's Seed Company.
Barley Varieties in Canada
Canada cultivates various barley varieties, each with its unique characteristics suited to specific uses.
Some of the popular barley varieties grown in Canada include AC Metcalfe, CDC Copeland, and CDC Bow, sourced from reputable suppliers like Bennett’s Seed.
Malt Barley Growing Regions in Canada
Malt Barley is cultivated across several regions in Canada, taking advantage of the diverse climatic conditions.
The major barley-growing provinces in Canada include Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, where Bennett's Seed is a prominent supplier, ensuring quality and reliability.
Quality Control and Certification
The Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and consistency of Canadian malt barley supplied by companies like Bennett’s Seed.
The CGC sets standards for grading, moisture content, and protein content, among other quality parameters. Their rigorous inspection and certification processes instill confidence in buyers and consumers regarding the quality of Canadian malt barley.
In addition to the CGC’s standards, the malting industry has its own set of specifications and regulations that malt barley must meet to be deemed suitable for malting. These standards focus on factors such as germination rate, protein content, and enzyme activity, all of which influence the final quality of the malt.
Certifications for Canadian Malt Barley
Certifications, such as the Canada Western Special Purpose (CWSP) designation, indicate that the malt barley has met specific quality requirements set by the CGC and the malting industry.
These certifications serve as a mark of distinction for Canadian malt barley, assuring customers of its superior quality and adherence to industry standards.
Superior Quality and Flavor Profile
The consistent quality of Canadian malt barley sets it apart from other barley sources. Canadian farmers and suppliers like Bennett’s Seed adhere to rigorous farming and quality control practices, ensuring that each crop meets the high standards demanded by the malting industry.
This consistency and reliability make Canadian malt barley a preferred choice for brewers and distillers worldwide.
Barley is a nutritious grain, packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. It is a good source of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and selenium. Canadian malt barley sourced from reputable suppliers retains these nutritional benefits, making it not only a flavorful ingredient but also a healthy choice for consumers.
The Importance of Canadian Malt Barley
Canada holds a prominent position in the global malt barley market. The country’s favorable climate, nutrient-rich soil, and stringent quality control measures contribute to the production of high-quality malt barley.
Canadian Malt Barley from Bennett’s Seed is highly sought after by brewers and distillers worldwide due to its exceptional flavor, consistency, and reliability.