What Is Malt? Everything You Need to Know

Everybody loves a malted milkshake, but have you ever tried cooking with just malt? Malt is a delicious ingredient that is the secret superpower behind a lot of the foods you already love.

But what is malt? It plays an important role in some of our favorite cuisines, but it’s not something you typically find yourself reaching for at the grocery store. Here’s everything you need to know about this delicious but little-known ingredient.

What Is Malt?

The raw version of malt is a type of grain that has been dried and processed, and the name of that process is, you guessed it – malting! The process most typically is applied to barley grains and is packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and great flavor.

The grains are then soaked in water and can either be used like that or dried again and ground into a powder. The form of malt that you want varies depending on what you want to make with it and can be used for a vast number of delicious recipes.

Malt in Beverages

Have you ever noticed the label on your favorite beer that says “malt liquor”? Alcoholic beverages are one of the most popular uses of malt due to their deep flavor profile and sweetness.

Malt is also often used in higher alcohol content beverages, like whiskey. Malt acts as a fermenting agent and is already a form of grain, so it makes a great base for heavier alcohol.

The sugars in the malt make for a smooth and delicious adult beverage, and its natural qualities give your favorite drink that intense flavor profile that keeps you coming back for more.

Malt in Baking

The main source of malt in baking is typically malted milk powder, which is seen in the recipes of popular dishes like bagels, pretzels, and even ice cream. The powder adds a yummy nutty flavor and extra sweetness, which makes it a great addition to many desserts and other baked goods.

The malt powder is doubly effective in baking because, in addition to adding a unique flavor to your dish, it also helps baked treats rise well due to its fermented quality.

The Benefits of Malt

Not only does malt add to the flavor and quality of your foods, but it’s also packed with healthy vitamins and minerals. Malt is rich in B Vitamins, which are necessary for the body to break down the food you eat and turn it into energy.

It also contains amino acids, which are something your body uses to make proteins. Though drinking a malted liquor beverage every day may not keep the doctor away the way an apple can, it’s great to know that some of your favorite treats may secretly have some immuno-boosting qualities!

Our Favorites

So now that we’ve answered the question, what is malt, it’s time to explore some of the delicious foods out there that utilize malt.

We highly recommend trying out Maltina, a delicious malted barley drink that you can find at niyis.co.uk. Or head down to your local ice cream shop and feel like a kid again with a malted milkshake!

Take a Taste of Malt

With this guide, you now know just what is malt as well as what to find it in. It’s a great ingredient that we’re sure you’ll enjoy.

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