Ions added by the malts?

chrisr · Sep 25, 2012

Could anyone tell me if the malts themselves add any of the ions important to the mashing/brewing process IE calcium, sulphate, chloride, sodium?

I know malt brings phosphates into the process, and some malts a bit of magnesium.

I'd be grateful for any pointers on this.

Aleman · Sep 25, 2012

The answer is yes . . . unfortunately the amounts added (apart from phosphate) are pretty inconsistent, and could be considered insignificant. As most of the ions added by the malt are required in tiny quantities all is well.

chrisr · Sep 25, 2012

Thanks for that.

I was particularly wondering if the chloride/sulphate ratio could get altered by the grist itself. From what you've said, it would seem not - the levels of any ions added are insignificant compared to the levels in the liquor.

mabrungard · Dec 9, 2012

As noted, malt brings in significant magnesium and phosphate content into the wort. In addition, it brings potassium into the wort. Unfortunately, most of that content is bound in molecules and is not ionic. Therefore, its not appropriate to assume a flavor contribution from the malt with regard to ion flavor.

PS: Yeast require calcium and magnesium in the wort to provide good yeast health and enhance flocculation performance. Both of those ions are provided in malt worts. In the case of calcium, additional calcium provided in the water is helpful. It doesn't appear that additional magnesium is needed in a malt wort since yeast only need about 5 ppm for their health. Magnesium should only be added to brewing liquor when desired for its taste effects...a sour, bittering. That is welcome in a hoppy ale, but may not be so welcome in a malty lager.

chrisr · Dec 9, 2012

Actually, I found some test data on this, which says:

1.040 brew, made with RO water
Sodium: 10 -> 12mg/L
Calcium: 35 -> 33 mg/L
Chloride: 5 -> 15 mg/L
Sulphate: 5 -> 15 mg/L

As has been said, above, these are insignificant amounts compared to the totals and should only be seen as indicative, as I'm guessing different grists would have different effects.