1. Barley was one of the first domesticated grains and was important for making bread and beer. It provided nutrients for yeast growth and its husk helped with filtration.
2. There are different varieties of barley classified by winter/spring planting and 2-row/6-row grain structure. Specific varieties are chosen for malting or feed purposes.
3. The Maris Otter variety was developed through selection and breeding over many decades, becoming an important malting variety in 1965 though newer varieties now aim to improve yield and quality further.
2. Why Barley?
• Barley was there first
• Fertile Crescent
• Bread and beer
• Starch as carbohydrate for alcohol
• Enzymes
• Nutrients for yeast growth
• Husk for filtration
• Availability
3. Why Barley?
• Bread and beer
• Wheat appealed to the wealthy
• Barley bread for the poor
• Barley for all men as beer
• Other cereals?
• Migration across Europe
20. Whither barley?
• New varieties – tried and tested
– For the farmer
– For the brewer
• A little bit of Otter in everything
– And some Chevallier!
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