Response surface methodology was used to investigate the influence of the three malting parameters, i.e. degree of steeping, germination time, and temperature on the quality of proso millet malt. Each predictor variable was tested at three levels. Germination times varied from 5, 6, and 7 days, degrees of steeping were 44, 48, and 52%, and germination temperatures were 16, 20, and 24°C. A set kilning temperature of 65°C was used for all malts. A series of malt quality parameters were investigated including extract, apparent attenuation limit, gelatinisation temperature, ␣-amylase activity, ␤-amylase activity, limit dextrinase activity, Kolbach index, ␣-amino nitrogen, viscosity, and colour. The optimal malting program was achieved after the fifth day of germination, 44% degree of steeping, and a 22°C steeping and germination temperature. The obtained values for the amylolytic and cytolytic attributes were 64.8% extract, 1.383 mPa × s viscosity, 76.0% apparent attenuation limit, 111 U /g ␣-amylase activity, and 102 U /g ␤-amylase activity.

Two black rice varieties, "black non-waxy" and "black waxy", were investigated as possible raw materials for the production of malt. The malting conditions were optimised using response surface methodology. The three process parameters were steeping, germination time and temperature. Each parameter was tested at three levels: adjustment degrees of steeping were 38, 41, and 44%, germination times were 6, 7, and 8 days, and the temperatures were 20, 25 and 30°C. At the end of the germination process, all samples were kilned at 50°C for 24 h, and shoot/rootlets were removed before a detailed quality assessment was performed. Data analysis was performed using the Design Expert Statistic Program. The optimal conditions found for both rice varieties were as follows: germination time of 8 days at 30°C and 44% grain moisture. Although the extract yield, and α-amylase and β-amylase activities of both rice malts were lower than barley malt, the higher activity of limit-dextrinase enzyme and apparent attenuation limit (AAL), which was higher than 80%, suggests that rice malt has potential for use in brewing.

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