Analysis of beta-glucan in single grains of barley and malt using NIR-spectroscopy

This paper describes initial experiments carried out in a collaborative study with Perten Instruments, Sweden, using Near-Infrared spectroscopy to assess beta-glucan content in single grains of barley and malt. In general, the method needs further development. but this study shows that it has potential as a valuable tool for assessing, endosperm modification of malt. The method is fast and non-destructive and therefore allows other parameters related to endosperm modification to be analysed using the same grains.