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Fermented apple cider is a refreshing alcoholic drink known since ancient times, and it is obtained by fermenting apple fruit juice. Using the standards of alcohol concentration (up to 8%) and carbonation, it belongs to drinks similar to beer. It can be produced using wild yeasts, but currently a fermentation starter can be purchased. This work aims to produce fermented cider using commercial pasteurized juices: clear apple juice and organic cloudy juice using commercial yeast for cider production. After fermentation, the physico-chemical characteristics of the drink were determined, alongside volatile compounds of the freshly produced ciders, as well after 1, 2, and 3 weeks of maturation. Acids, alcohols, carbonyl compounds, terpenes, esters, and volatile phenols were determined using headspace–solid phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC/MS). The results show that the fermentation was slower (14 days) in the cloudy juice in contrast to the sample produced from clear apple juice (10 days). Also, the volatile compounds related to aroma were abundantly found in the cider produced from cloudy apple juice compared to the cider produced from the clear apple juice. The conducted sensory analysis was in favor of cloudy juice.

Marine macroalgae are organisms rich in bioactive compounds such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, and various minerals. Macroalgae are increasingly being added to the human diet precisely because they contain useful compounds that can also be used in the pharmaceutical industry. Previous research describes their addition to meat products, yogurt, bread, and baby food. However, data on the addition of algae to beer have been scarce. The goal of this work was to produce beer with the addition of brown macroalgae (Fucus virsoides) from the Adriatic Sea. In addition, the basic physical–chemical parameters (color, pH, ethanol, extract, and polyphenols) were determined. The most important premise is the transfer of selenium (Se) to beer, since Se is deficient in human food chain. The transfer of different metals, namely, S (sulfur), Mg (magnesium), P (phosphorus), K (potassium), Ca (calcium), Cr (chromium), Mn (manganese), Fe (iron), Co (cobalt), Ni (nickel), Cu (copper), Zn (zinc), As (arsenic), Se (selenium), Mo (molybdenum), Cd (cadmium), Hg (mercury), and Pb (lead), from algae to beer was determined using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP−MS). The results, however, were not satisfactory regarding metal transfer. In particular, Se was detected in beer, but other metals such as As, Cd, and Pb were not. Alga addition contributed to extract values, and the original extract reached 14.3 °P in wort with alga addition, as opposed to 12.8 °P in the control sample. Such high extract content, however, resulted in beer with low alcohol content, v/v for both beers. This could be explained by the high levels of unfermentable extract. pH values showed statistical difference between samples, meaning that the addition of algae significantly affected the pH value of beer, reducing acidity by almost 5%.

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) is a fodder plant grown in many regions of the world. It is also known as a medicinal plant. Red clover contains large amounts of isoflavones, which are, due to their similarity to estrogen, called phytoestrogen; it is believed that they can increase the concentration of estrogen in women. Some studies have refuted this information, but this topic is still being researched. The aim of the work was to produce beer to which red clover is added during the boiling phase and to monitor the transfer of isoflavones from red clover to beer. Red clover was not added to the control sample during boiling. During production and fermentation, the basic physical-chemical properties of wort and beer were monitored, as well as acceptability among potential consumers, which was determined by sensory analysis. The results show that phytoestrogens do end up in beer. The analyzed beer contained biochanin A, formononetin, genistein, and daidzein, in a total concentration of 12.42 µg/mL. The control sample contained none of the aforementioned compounds. Sensory analysis gave promising results, and the tested consumers all approved the taste, smell, and aroma of the produced beer. The most notable aroma that was singled out by consumers was “hay-like”.

The use of purpose-selected wheat in brewing is limited because it is either not suitable for the application of usual agrotechnical measures or, more often, is not adapted to specific climatic conditions. As unmalted wheat in brewing can cause process problems and problems with the quality composition of mash/wort and consequently beer, by using the appropriate type and variety, but also by adjusting the malting process, these problems can be completely avoided or significantly reduced at the start. Two varieties were selected for the research, which in previous research showed good brewing/malting properties and which have significantly different starting values for the share of total protein (TP) in the grain. The goal of this research was to determine the effect of grain milling granulation on the quality of mash obtained from a hard type of wheat, i.e., the changes in the fermentable and non-fermentable extract ratio during mashing. Varieties with higher and lower initial contents of total protein (TP) in the grain were tested. It was found that regardless of the initial difference in TP concentration, the concentrations of total soluble proteins (TSP) and high molecular protein fraction (HMW N) are similar for varieties with higher and lower initial TP and that the difference in initial TP concentrations is shown as a difference in the concentration of insoluble protein fractions, which are eliminated during fermentation. By increasing the milling granulation in both kinds of wheat, there is a significant increase in the medium molecular protein fraction (MMW N), which is more pronounced in wheat with a lower starting concentration of TP, even though the starting concentrations of TSP in fine (Ø 0.2 mm) and the superfine milling (Ø < 0.2 mm) were similar. A significant drop in fermentability at the superfine granulation of the grain was noted.

Microorganisms are inevitably present in barley, malt, wort, and sometimes in finished beer. They are the cause of numerous problems in the brewing industry. Microbial colonization of barley occurs already in the field during the vegetation transition of barley. The microflora on barley and the malt obtained from it affects numerous aspects of the quality of the production process in malthouses and breweries and on the quality of the finished beer. In addition, the presence of microbial contamination on barley results in the formation of antimicrobial compounds, the presence of which indicates stress during the vegetative period of barley cultivation caused by microbial contamination. If they survive the wort brewing process, these compounds can have negative or positive effects on the further production process and on the finished beer. Furthermore, the microorganisms present on barley can themselves produce antimicrobial compounds against other microorganisms that can also affect the yeast and the malt and beer production process itself. This paper provides a basic overview of the influence of barley microflora on the malting process and malt quality, wort production and its quality, the fermentation process and its influence on the activity of brewer's yeast and on the final product, beer.

Mikroorganizmi su neizbježno prisutni u ječmu, sladu, sladovini, a ponekad i u gotovom pivu. Uzročnici su brojnih problema u pivarskoj industriji. Mikrobna kolonizacija ječma javlja se već u polju tijekom vegetacijskog perioda ječma. Mikroflora na ječmu i od njega dobivenog slada utječe na brojne aspekte kvalitete samog proizvodnog procesa u sladarama i pivovarama i na kvalitetu gotovog piva. Osim toga, prisutnost mikrobne kontaminacije na ječmu rezultira stvaranjem antimikrobnih spojeva, čija prisutnost ukazuje na stres tijekom vegetacijskog perioda uzgoja ječma uzrokovanog mikrobnom kontaminacijom. Ako prežive proces kuhanja sladovine ovi spojevi mogu imat negativne ili pozitivne učinke na daljnji proces proizvodnje i na gotovo pivo. Nadalje mikroorganizmi prisutni na ječmu mogu i sami proizvoditi antimikrobne spojeve protiv drugih mikroorganizama koji također migu utjecati i na kvasac i na sam proces proizvodnje slad i piva. U ovom radu dan je osnovni pregled utjecaja mikroflore ječma na proces slada i kvalitete slada, proizvodnju sladovine i njezinu kvalitetu, proces vrenja i utjecaja na aktivnost pivarskog kvasca te na konačni proizvod, pivo.

Traditional meat products are commonly produced in small family businesses. However, big industries are also involved in the production of this kind of product, especially since a growing number of consumers crave the traditional taste and aromas. The popularization of original and organic products has resulted in a return to traditional production methods. Traditional meat products are produced worldwide. However, in such (domesticated) conditions there is a potential danger for mycotoxin contamination. This review aims to present the sources of mycotoxins in traditional meat products, the most common mycotoxins related to such meat products, and future prospects regarding the suppression of their occurrence. Special attention should be paid to reducing the transfer of mycotoxins via the food chain from animal feed to animals to humans (stable-to-table principle), which is also described in this review. Other sources of mycotoxins (spices, environment, etc.) should also be monitored for mycotoxins in traditional production. The importance of monitoring and regulating mycotoxins in meat products, especially in traditional meat products, is slowly being recognized by the institutions and hopefully, in the future, can deliver legally regulated limits for such products. This is especially important since meat products are available to the general population and can seriously affect human health.

Wheat of medium hardness with marbled endosperm (transitional form between hard and soft wheat) in which glassy and floury zones alternate, form almost exclusively available assortment for brewing needs in Southeastern Europe. The aim of this work is to establish the influence of the grain texture and the degree of milling on the attenuation limit of wheat wort obtained from this type of wheat. Wheat worts using hard, soft transitional, or marbled endosperm texture were produced. The indicators of proteolysis, cytolysis, and amylolysis were determined, with regard to the parameter attenuation limit (AL) or fermentability. From the results for the tested parameters, it was established that despite similar starting values for the most important quality parameters, transitional wheat produces significantly different wort, both among themselves and in comparison with hard and soft wheat, and also when looking at the results for different milling degree (fine or coarse). The obtained values for the attenuation limit for transition wheat are similar or even better when compared to soft wheat, with satisfactory values for almost all examined quality parameters of wort. It can be concluded that a transitional type of wheat can be used just as well as unmalted raw material for the production of wort, as well as a raw material for malting.

The beer market today shows extremely diverse styles and offers many possibilities for consumers to try new aromas and tastes. Most modern breweries have a similar technology and equipment and use quality raw materials, but the differences between beers’ physical–chemical properties are always detectable. In ensuring the same beer quality is being delivered to the consumers, sensory analysis is in some cases even more important than the chemical or physical–chemical analysis, since consumers focus on constant quality and sensory properties of their chosen beer. Sensory evaluation is not an easy task and involves flexible methods for determination of differences and changes between beers. It is commonly used in breweries to provide a constant quality in finished products, but also to ensure the quality of different raw materials (water, malt, hops) and to minimize the influence of the production process on final quality of beer. The results of this research indicate that sensory analysis is of great importance, since sheer physical–chemical analysis can be outweighed by it. Certain beers that showed that, despite a high concentration of off-flavors (e.g., dimethylsulphide), the overall sensory score was not affected (10/Koelsch style) while for some beers, a small excess of a sensory threshold lead to extreme sensory deterioration (sample 4/Lager).

Popping corn is a widespread activity and popcorns are one of the most consumed snacks in the world. As popcorn corn is exposed to environmental conditions and agrotechnical measures in the field, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can end up in corn kernels. Since popcorns are popped at higher temperatures, ca. 180 °C, it is reasonable to assume that PAHs can be found in popcorns. The objective of this paper was to preliminarily determine and quantify the incidence of various PAHs in different popcorn varieties and popcorns popped from them, during two consecutive years. PAHs were determined by using GC-MS. Popcorn corn contained only light PAHs, naphthalene (Nap), acenaphthene (Ane), and fluorene (Fln). However, popped popcorns contained heavier PAHs, such as benz[a]anthracene (BaA), chrysene (Chry), and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) whose ∑PAH4 was 8.39 µg/kg in sample 1 in 2020. The results indicate that popcorns can be a significant source of PAHs and further studies should be conducted. This is concerning since popcorns are favored snacks in all age groups, including children.

In Croatia, the production of non-alcoholic wort-based beverages is in its initial stages. The main goal of this research was to produce wort that could be then used in the production of a wort-based beverage with the addition of chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) juice. Sensory characteristics and consumer acceptance was also analyzed. Worts were prepared by the standard mashing process, using Munich and pale ale malt. Chokeberry juice was added to the cooled worts. For the purpose of this research, two versions of wort with different concentrations of chokeberry juice (10%, 20%, 30%) were formulated, and all of the beverages were subjected to sensory analysis. Sensory analysis showed that wort with the addition of 30% chokeberry juice was the most accepted. This concentration of chokeberry juice gave the beverage a pleasant taste, but needed some improvement. To address this, mint essential oil was added to the mixture and carbonation using gaseous CO2 was conducted. This beverage received better acceptance when carbonated and mixed with mint essential oil. In addition to the sensory analysis, the polyphenol content of the chosen beverage was also analyzed, along with its nutritional value. Polyphenol content was 2621.47 mg/L and antioxidative activity was 2.28 mmol Trolox/L. The energy value was determined to be 57 kcal. However, in order to optimize the production of this wort-based beverage, further research should be conducted.

Phthalates are known as endocrine disruptors and are common in plastic polymers, varnishes, and printing inks. However, they most often enter the human body through food. Plastic materials that hold food contain different chemicals, and phthalates are one of them. Phthalates can also be found in microplastics since microplastic particles serve as a vector for different chemicals that can be slowly released into food and beverages. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine the concentration and types of phthalates (dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, di-n-octyl-phthalate) in beer packaged in aluminum cans, PET, and glass bottles. Ten aluminum-canned beers, sixteen PET-packaged, and eighteen glass-bottled beers were bought at a local food store and subjected to GC–MS analysis to quantify and qualify phthalates. The results indicate that PET-packaged beers can contain significant amounts of phthalates; in sample P10, the total sum of phthalates reached 219.82 µg/L. Especially high concentrations of dibutyl phthalate were found in all samples, but the highest concentration was detected in sample P13 at 92.17 µg/L. However, canned beers showed even higher levels of certain phthalates, such as bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, which amounted to 326.81 µg/L in sample C1. In short, phthalates pose a serious health-concerning problem and should be regarded as such.

Kilning is an integral part of malt production; it ensures grain and enzyme preservation. Kilning temperatures can range between 80 and 220 °C, depending on the type of malt that is being produced. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are prone to appear at higher temperatures and are generally designated as undesirable in food and beverages. Sixteen PAHs are framed in legislation, but there is a lack of scientific data related to PAHs in malt, malt-related foods (bread, cookies) and beverages (whisky, malted non-alcoholic beverages). The aim of this paper was to assess and quantify the occurrence of different PAHs in malts exposed to different kilning temperatures (50–210°) over a variable time frame. The results indicate that some of the PAHs detected at lower temperatures disappear when malt is exposed to high temperatures (>100 °C). Phenanthrene was no longer detected at 100 °C and indeno [1,2,3-cd] pyrene at 130 °C, while fluorene, anthracene and benzo (a) anthracene were not quantified at 170 °C. The results of this research can be implemented in food safety legislation since foods available to children utilize malted flour (bread, cookies, bakery goods, etc.) due to its enzymatic activity or as a colour additive.

The emerging consciousness on nano- and microplastics in our environment raises questions on how to reduce and minimize its influence on human health. PET (polyethylene terephthalate) packaging is gaining popularity, and many traditional products end up in such packaging (vinegar, wine, beer). Currently, it is very hard to quantify the number of particles and their exact composition, but semi-quantitative techniques such as FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrophotometry) can give us an insight into the chemical composition of plastic bits in foods and beverages. Nowadays, beer is packed in PET packaging, since it provides a cheaper packaging material compared to glass and since it is safe to use at public manifestations, contrary to glass bottles, while providing a reasonable barrier for gas permeation (O2 and CO2). The aim of this paper was to provide a short overview of FT-IR-detected compounds in PET-packaged beer samples. The results indicate that many compounds can be found in beer, but those that were most commonly found in our research were β-cyclodextrin and L(-)-glyceraldehyde unnatural forms, two compounds designated as plastic-related compounds.

The sudden craft breweries expansion currently occurring in Europe, and by that also in Croatia, has been a true conundrum. The question is why craft breweries currently undergo such intense propagation. The answers to this is not simple and has to be monitored from a few different angles: what are today’s consumer’s preferences? Why this sudden need to drink posh beer? Health wise – is it healthier to drink craft beer than industrial? The fact is that craft breweries offer beer with a story. The popularity of health benefits of moderate beer consumption, different reports in popular papers and magazines on polyphenolic and other anti-oxidative compounds that aid catching free radicals and reduce the damage they cause, contribute to the shift from industrial plane lager beer craft beer. In the eye of the scientific storm-genetic manipulation with yeast strains, and barley cultivars, water treatments, automatization, people choose simple procedures and raw materials that give them a feeling of uniqueness. This paper contributes to the knowledge of why craft breweries are taking on more and more popularity and why are consumers attracted to such products.

Brewers commonly produce ales since the ale yeast is more resilient, ferments quicker and requires higher temperatures, which are easier to ensure as opposed to lager and pilsner, which require lower temperatures and longer lagering time. However, Kveik yeasts are also resilient, ferment at fairly high temperatures (up to 35 °C), and can provide light, lager-like beers, but more quickly, in shorter lagering time, and with reduced off flavors. Diacetyl rest is not needed. The intention of this paper was to assess the possibility of producing pseudo-lager by using Lutra® Kveik. A batch (120 L) was divided into six fermenting vessels and inoculated with Lutra® yeast. To test its possibility to result in lager-like beer at higher temperature, we conducted fermentation at two temperatures (21 and 35 °C). Fermentation subjected to 21 °C lasted for 9 days, while at 35 °C, fermentation was finished in 2 days. After fermentation, both beers were stored in cold temperatures (4 °C) and then kegged, carbonized, and analyzed (pH, ethanol, polyphenols, color, bitterness, clarity). Alongside the sensory evaluation, a GC-MS analysis was also conducted in order to determine if there are any difference between the samples.

The world’s beer market has never been more diverse. Most beers are produced in modern and technologically advanced breweries that use high quality raw materials, thus resulting in minor differences of physical–chemical properties between various beers (of the same style). However, consumers focus on constant quality and sensory properties of their chosen beer. Sensory evaluation is not an easy task and involves flexible methods for determination of differences and changes between beers. It is commonly used in breweries to provide constant quality of finished products, but also to ensure the quality of different raw materials (water, malt, hops) and to minimize the influence of the production process on final quality of beer.

The kilning of malt occurs at different temperatures, depending on the desired color and aromas. Higher temperatures applied during kilning can be involved in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) formation in malt. PAHs are undesirable and designated as health hazards, it is important to quantify and qualify them in different malts. Since the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) gave strict recommendations about PAHs in different foods, but omitted malt as a potential hazardous raw material that can cause health damage to beer consumers, the aim of this investigation was to assess the presence of 16 PAHs (naphthalene (Nap), acenaphthylene (Anl), acenaphthene (Ane), fluorene (Flu), anthracene (Ant), phenanthrene (Phen), fluoranthene (Flt), benz[a]anthracene (BaA), pyrene (Pyr), chrysene (Chry), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbF), benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), dibenz[a,h]anthracene (DahA), benzo[ghi]perylene (BghiP), and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (InP)) in different, commercially available malts (amber, black, pilsner, and cara-120). The results showed that PAHs are present in different malts, with some in high amounts (BaA in black malt was 737 µg/kg). Minimal levels of BaA were detected in the amber malt, 60.53 µg/kg. The PAH4 (BaP, BaA, BbF, and Chry) sums are identical to the BaA concentrations in all malts and greatly exceed the EFSA prescribed levels for PAH4 in processed cereal-based foods (1 µg/kg).

The acceptance of beer among consumers is most influenced by the taste and aroma. Polyphenols are widely responsible for both. Whereas polyphenols do not always result in a positive flavor and taste, they can surely impart certain off-flavors, which will be mentioned in this paper. However, the aftertaste is an important component of the beer-tasting experience and acceptance. The aftertaste, including astringency, may largely influence consumers’ consumption preference and behavior. Bitterness is one of the main, desirable characteristics of beer, but to an untrained consumer, it can often be mistaken with astringency. This review aims to describe the differences between these two properties. Both attributes derive from the same beer components, polyphenols from barley and hop, but there is a distinctive difference between them. To understand the complexity of bitterness and astringency, polyphenols behavior, characteristics, and stability during the brewing process are also described in this review.

Contamination of crops with phytopathogenic genera such as Fusarium, Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Penicillium usually results in mycotoxins in the stored crops or the final products (bread, beer, etc.). To reduce the damage and suppress the fungal growth, it is common to add antifungal substances during growth in the field or storage. Many of these antifungal substances are also harmful to human health and the reduction of their concentration would be of immense importance to food safety. Many eminent researchers are seeking a way to reduce the use of synthetic antifungal compounds and to implement more eco-friendly and healthier bioweapons against fungal proliferation and mycotoxin synthesis. This paper aims to address the recent advances in the effectiveness of biological antifungal compounds application against the aforementioned fungal genera and their species to enhance the protection of ecological and environmental systems involved in crop growing (water, soil, air) and to reduce fungicide contamination of food derived from these commodities.

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by fungal species that commonly have a toxic effect on human and animal health. Different foodstuff can be contaminated and are considered the major source of human exposure to mycotoxins, but occupational and environmental exposure can also significantly contribute to this problem. This review aims to provide a short overview of the occurrence of toxigenic fungi and regulated mycotoxins in foods and workplaces, following the current literature and data presented in scientific papers. Biomonitoring of mycotoxins in plasma, serum, urine, and blood samples has become a common method for determining the exposure to different mycotoxins. Novel techniques are more and more precise and accurate and are aiming toward the simultaneous determination of multiple mycotoxins in one analysis. Application of liquid chromatography (LC) methodologies, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) or high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) has become a common and most reliable method for determining the exposure to mycotoxins. Numerous references confirm the importance of mycotoxin biomonitoring to assess the exposure for humans and animals. The objectives of this paper were to review the general approaches to biomonitoring of different mycotoxins and the occurrence of toxigenic fungi and their mycotoxins, using recent literature sources.

This paper aimed to compare the quality indicators of hull-less (naked) barley malt with malt obtained from hulled barley, according to the recommended values for standard pale malt. Five domestic hull-less barley varieties (Osvit, Mandatar, GZ-184, Osk.8.26/1–14 and Osk.6.24/4–12) and five hulled (Barun, OsLukas, Vanessa, Casanova, and Maestro) barley varieties were malted according to the standard procedure. The results of starting barley quality indicators (hectolitre weight, protein, starch, 1000 kernel weight, first class grain) and of finished malts (malt moisture, extract, extract difference, friability, wort viscosity, soluble protein, Kolbach index, wort color, and wort pH) were then compared. The results indicate that the main problem of hull-less barley is the resistance to deeper modification of grain. This is expressed as lower water absorption during steeping, and lower friability. The intensification of the process of malting could be boosted with the extension of steeping time and decreased temperatures during germination. This should result with higher friability but other indicators of malt quality should also show better values.

This paper examines the influence of malting process parameters on the wheat malt quality obtained from the assortment of winter red wheat. For this assortment, previous research established that strongly restrictive and strongly intensive malting processes are not suitable, that is, they do not significantly improve the quality of the obtained wheat malts, and in some segments, they even disturb it. Therefore, modifications were introduced to both procedures, and malting was performed with moderately intensive procedure D and moderately restrictive procedure E. Starting wheat, indicators of micromalting process success, and finished wheat malts were analyzed. The results showed that the moderately restrictive malting process (E) significantly improves not only the values for soluble N for almost all tested varieties, but also the values of cytolytic degradation success (wort viscosity, filtration time), and extract yield. The moderately intensive procedure did not improve the determined indicators; for many varieties, the modification even resulted in poorer values. Furthermore, the moderately restrictive procedure allows a strong individual response of a particular variety to the process conditions during malting, which is very important for the assessment of the malting potential for a particular variety. Namely, when assessing the actual malting quality of an individual variety, it is necessary to include amylolytic indicators and indicators of enzymatic strength. In this way, a group of varieties were established which had an increased initial share of total N (varieties no. 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, and 16). These varieties, by this procedure, gave the best quality wheat malts in the entire examined assortment.

This study aimed to establish the suitability of new Croatian wheat varieties for the production of pale wheat malt. Four new varieties/breeding lines from the Agricultural Institute Osijek were tested (Indira, OSK. 378/19, OSK. 346/20, and OSK. 353/20). The quality of starting wheat, the success of the micromalting process and the quality of finished malts were analyzed. The obtained results showed that the tested varieties/breeding lines meet the quality criteria for pale beer malt, and can be classified in the II malting quality group. The vast majority of quality indicators examined in this research showed values within the limits recommended for pale wheat malt. The obtained results were very good considering that these varieties are not intended for malting, nor in their selection process attention was paid to meet the brewing quality criteria. Due to the sensory characteristics of beer, the possibility of intervention during the malting process is limited, therefore when selecting wheat for malting, attention should be paid to the lowest possible content of total and soluble proteins, which can be achieved by appropriate agrotechnical measures in cultivation.

This paper examines the influence of the malting process of red hard wheat varieties (which have many characteristics of soft wheat varieties and represent a transitional form between durum and soft wheat). According to the values of total and soluble proteins and viscosity of wort these wheat varieties belong to the second malting quality group. To establish the individual response of each variety and estimate how the chosen varieties respond in groups to different process conditions, sixteen varieties were selected and malted according to the standard procedure (A), restrictive procedure (B), and intense procedure (C). Starting wheat, indicators of micromalting process success, and finished malts were analyzed. It was found that the restrictive procedure (B) gives poor results for the values of proteolysis performance parameters (soluble N, free amino nitrogen (FAN)) with simultaneous disturbance and values of cytolytic degradation (viscosity and filtration time) and extract yield. At the same time, this procedure lacks a stronger individual response of an individual variety to the process conditions during malting (F/C difference and extract yield). The optimal malting process for the specified assortment would include the modification of processes B and C in a way to alleviate the restrictive conditions in process B, or in a way to reduce the intensity of the decomposition in process C.

The expansion of the beer industry has enabled many possibilities for improvement regarding the taste, aroma and functionality of this drink. Health-related issues and a general wish for healthier lifestyles has resulted in increased demand for functional beers. The addition of different herbs or adjuncts in wort or beer has been known for centuries. However, today’s technologies provide easier ways to do this and offer additional functional properties for the health benefits and sensory adjustments of classical beer. Medicinal, religious or trendy reasons for avoiding certain compounds in beer or the need to involve new ones in the brewing recipe has broadened the market for the brewing industry and made beer more accessible to consumers who, till now, avoided beer.

Beer production includes the formation of different by-products such as wastewater, spent grains, spent hops, and yeast. In addition to these well-known by-products, it is necessary to mention germ/rootlets, which also remain after the malting process. Given that a huge amount of beer is produced annually worldwide, by-products are available in large quantities throughout the year. Spent grains, spent hops, and spent yeasts are high-energy raw materials that possess a great potential for application in the branch of biotechnology, and the food industry, but these by-products are commonly used as livestock feed, disposed of in the fields, or incinerated. Breweries by-products can be utilized for microalgae production, biofuel production, extraction of proteins, polyphenolic, antioxidative substances, etc. This paper aims to address each of these by-products with an emphasis on their possible application in biotechnology and other industries.

The aim of this research was to assess whether the grist mixture (50% malt, 34% maize grits, and 16% unmalted wheat) used for the production of beer 1 could be appropriate for lager to retain the declared quality and colloidal stability during the commercial shelf life (6 months) in regards to beer 2 produced completely out of barley malt. Raw materials, worts, and beers were analyzed before and after production and over the period of 6-month storage. All analyses were done in accordance with the European Brewery Convention methods. Beer 1 resulted in a more desirable wort composition considering the total, high molecular weight (HMW) proteins, and viscosity. Beer 1 had less total proteins and polyphenols, lower viscosity and color, and higher starting clarity than beer 2. Haze measurements showed that even though beer 1 had lower starting haze, it resulted in significantly less colloidal stability during the storage of 6 months, in comparison to beer 2. The results indicate that the production of light lager beer using unmalted wheat in grist could be acceptable for colloidal stability only if such beer is to be stabilized by operations that ensure the removal of haze inducers (primarily haze active proteins).

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of predicting the concentration of β-glucan from starting barley and malt, as well as malt and wort for different types and purpose of barley groups. The strength of the correlation between types and purpose of barley groups was determined between the values of β-glucans and other indicators of cytolytic degradation. Statistically significant correlations were obtained for β-glucans in barley-malt (r = 0.9717) and barley-wort (r = 0.9998) for brewing (B w-tr) and brewing/feed winter two-row (B/Fe w-tr) varieties, and for brewing/brewing feed/feed spring varieties (B/B-Fe/Fe w-tr) between barley and Δm (Δm = β-glucan difference between barley and malt) (r = 0.8779). For the dual-purpose varieties (B/Fe w-tr), a strong correlation for β-glucans was found between malt and wort (r = 0.8188), malt and Δm* (Δm* = % of degraded β-glucan in malt in regard to the starting β-glucan in barley) (r = −0.9099), as well as Δm and Δm* (r = 0.9951). The results indicate that the starting concentration of β-glucan in barley and malt can be used as predictors of their concentration in wort only in brewing and dual-purpose (brewing-feed) varieties.

Climatic changes influence considerably the distribution and occurrence of different secondary metabolites in cereals. The aim of this investigation was to assess the changes in metabolite prevalence observed in six different winter barley varieties over a statistically significant period of three years by linking agro-climatic conditions with metabolite concentrations in chosen samples. The results showed that temperatures and precipitation levels varied during the observed timeframe and that the multi-toxin concentrations followed the trend of changing climatic conditions depending on the variety. All quantified (fungal) metabolites showed significant variations throughout the years and, for some (tryptophol and the cyclic dipeptides cyclo(L-Pro-L-Tyr) and cyclo(L-Pro-L-Val)), an unexpected, but clear connection can be made with temperature changes and precipitation levels during the growing season.

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of steeping water change and Fusarium graminearum contamination level on different multi-toxin types and concentrations in barley malt. Malt samples were subjected to two micromalting regimes—steeping water change and the other with no steeping water change. Malt was contaminated with different F. graminearum contamination levels (0%, 10%, and 20%). The results indicate that malt with higher F. graminearum contamination levels ensured higher concentrations of toxins. Higher fungal metabolite concentrations were determined in samples exposed to freshly-changed steeping water, especially zearalenone and its derivates whose values were three to four times higher than in samples with no water change. Zearalenone-4-sulfate showed four (in 10% contamination) and even thirty times (in 20% contamination) higher concentrations than in samples with no water change. Water change during malting resulted in higher levels of multi-toxins in the final product.

This paper aimed to investigate the influence of certain wheat and wheat malt quality indicators on limit of attenuation of wort (LAT). The experiment was conducted using wheats that have been proven to display the best malting properties with heightened total and soluble N and very good viscosity. Standard micromalting and brewing processes and analysis were applied. The obtained results showed that the quality of analyzed malts was satisfying. Statistical analysis determined no significant correlation between the limit of attenuation of wort and any of the other analyzed quality indicators. The lack of close correlations between indicators is probably due to the extremely complex intertwine of factors influencing the LAT, pointing to the fact that this particular indicator should be observed as separate and mainly variety-dependent.

The aim of this study was to use a predictive model to analyse the growth of a probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12 in cow’s, goat’s and soy milk. The Gompertz model was used, and the suitability of the model was estimated by the Schnute algorithm. Except for the analysis of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12 growth, the Gompertz model was also used for the analysis of pH changes during the fermentation process. Experimental results, as well as the values of kinetic parameters obtained in this study, showed that the highest growth rate of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12 was obtained in goat’s milk, and the lowest in soy milk. Contrary to the growth of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis Bb-12, pH decreased faster in soy milk than in cow’s milk. The highest rate of pH decrease was also observed in goat’s milk, which is in correspondence with results of various previous studies. The Gompertz model proved to be highly suitable for analysing the course and the fermentation kinetics in these three kinds of milk, and might be used to analyse the growth kinetics of other probiotic and starter cultures in milk.

The influence of the honey addition on the fermentative activity of Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 and Bifidobacterium longum Bb-46 in soymilk was determined. Additionally, the inhibitory potential of honey-sweetened fermented soymilk against Listeria monocytogenes strain was examined. Two monofloral honey types were added to soymilk before the fermentation: dark-coloured chestnut honey and light-coloured acacia honey. On the basis of our previous studies on cow and goat milks, the basic hypothesis of this study was that the addition of honey could influence the growth of Bifidobacterium lactis and Bifidobacterium longum during the fermentation of soymilk. The addition of honey also influenced the decrease of raffinose and stachyose contents during fermentation. Furthermore, a higher inhibitory potential was assumed against Listeria monocytogenes caused by the honey addition. The obtained results show that both types of honey influenced the fermentative activity and numbers of Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 and Bifidobacterium longum Bb-46 viable cells in soymilk. Chestnut honey strongly influenced the acidity increase during the soymilk fermentation. A disc assay showed that the development of the inhibition zones of the growth depended on the type and concentration of honey, as well as on the type of milk. The chestnut honey had generally a higher inhibitory effect than acacia honey.

Fungi, yeasts, and bacteria are common microorganisms on cereals used in malting and brewing industries. These microorganisms are mostly associated with the safety and quality of malt and beer, but also with the health safety of by-products used in animal nutrition. The real problem is their harmful metabolites—toxins that, due to their thermostable properties, can easily be transferred to malting and brewing by-products. Besides fungal metabolites, other toxins originating from plants can be harmful to animal health. Precise and accurate analytical techniques broadened the spectrum of known toxins originating from microorganisms and plants that can pose a threat to animal health. Multi-(myco)toxin analyses are advanced and useful tools for the assessment of product safety, and legislation should follow up and make some important changes to regulate yet unregulated, but highly occurring, microbial and plant toxins in malting and brewing by-products used for animal feed.

Today’s beer differs in many ways from the original hazy brew made from grains and water left in the sun to ferment. The development of brewing procedures introduced filtration and colloidal stabilization as key elements in beer preservation and stability. Colloidal stability of beer is the most important factor in beer quality. Colloidal particles significantly shorten beer’s storage time, but most importantly, also influence its appearance. Colloidal stabilization involves one or more procedures that are applied at different stages during production and result in colloidal stability of the final product. Beer is considered to be colloidal stable if it can be stored for several months at 25 °C without exhibiting any changes in composition or other properties; specifically, beer has to be able to remain clear without any signs of precipitation. Since colloidal stability is of primary importance for the consumer, retail requirements have resulted in many solutions for this issue. Stabilization agents have to be reliable during the filtration and stabilization processes. Additionally, renewable agents are highly desirable. The level of colloidal stability required depends on the desired storage time and temperature after the beer has been packed. Consumers have higher and higher expectations that the industry has to follow.

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of honey addition on fermentation of goat and cow milk with Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12. Additionally, inhibitory potential of honey-sweetened fermented goat and cow milk against Listeria monocytogenes strain was examined. Two monofloral honey types, dark-colored chestnut and light-colored acacia honey were added. The basic hypothesis of this study was that addition of honey could have influence on the growth of Bifidobacterium lactis during the fermentation of goat and cow milk. Furthermore, higher inhibitory potential caused by honey addition against Listeria monocytogenes has been assumed. Compared to cow milk, higher acidity and CFU of Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 were noted in the fermented goat milk in all phases of the fermentation process. The results of this study show that both types of honey enhanced growth and acidity of the Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12 in both milk types during fermentation. A disc assay has shown that development of growth inhibition zones depends on the type and concentration of honey, as well as on the milk type. The chestnut honey had generally higher inhibitory effect than acacia honey.

Versatile microbiota are inevitably naturally present on cereals. Fungi, yeasts and bacteria and their metabolites all contribute to the quality and safety of the final products derived from most common beer cereals—barley and wheat. The microorganisms that are most often associated with the safety and quality of cereals for beer production belong to the Fusarium spp. They greatly influence yields from the field, and can modify and diminish economic success for farmers. However, the real problem is their harmful metabolites—mycotoxins—that affect the health of humans and animals. In the era of emerging analytical methodologies, the spectrum of known toxins originating from microorganisms that can pose a threat to humans has grown tremendously. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor microflora throughout the productive “barley to beer” chain and to act suppressive on the proliferation of unwanted microorganisms, before and during malting, preventing the occurrence of mycotoxins in final products and by-products. Multi-mycotoxin analyses are very advanced and useful tools for the assessment of product safety, and legislation should follow up and make some important changes to regulate as yet unregulated, but highly occurring, microbial toxins in malt and beer.

Beer lovers all over the world like to get their drink with a certain volume of stabile foam, which mainly depends on the beer style. However, sometimes this foam comes in form of a sudden, eruptive, and uncontrolled over-foaming (gushing) of beer. Gushing occurs after the bottle has been opened, without previously being treated inappropriately (exposure to high temperatures, shaking, or any other kind of agitation). According to recent scientific and professional literature, gushing may be induced by many factors, but fungal proteins are directly connected to this phenomenon. Gushing caused by fungal proteins—hydrophobins—is called primary gushing, and depends solely on raw material quality. Other reasons for extensive foaming after the bottle has been opened can be of chemical or technological nature in the course of the brewing process. This is called secondary gushing, which can be influenced and reduced by applying good manufacturing practice protocols.