Influence of aeration on the diastatic activity of barley during steeping

Abstract

1. The immediate effect of steeping barley is one of depression of diastatic activity. This is due to inadequate supply of air in the steep and not to removal of any soluble diastase activator as has been suggested by some previous workers. 2. With extended steeping, the diastatic power of the seed shows definite increase, the effect being observed even in the absence of air. 3. Development of diastatic power in the steeped seed is independent of its capacity to germinate. It is favoured by aeration but is not entirely dependent on it.