Simplified Method for Measurement of Arabinoxylan Content in Wort and Beer

Arabinoxylan is a major polysaccharide found in barley and wheat. As this polysaccharide has been reported to be involved in wort viscosity and filterability, as well as beta-glucan, it has become increasingly important in beer brewing in recent years, despite the limited availability of a measurement methodology for arabinoxylan. In this study, we developed a simple method for determining arabinoxylan content in wort and beer products using a commercially available xylose determination kit. The results show a relationship between arabinoxylan and the viscosity of wort and beer products. These results were consistent with previous reports, suggesting that this simple method can be used to observe the behavior of arabinoxylan during malting and brewing.

Automated summary

Arabinoxylan, a major polysaccharide found in barley and wheat, plays an important role in beer brewing. This study developed a simple method for determining arabinoxylan content and found a relationship between arabinoxylan and the viscosity of wort and beer products.