If I am steeping grains do I buy crushed??

jonbomb · 08-03-2010, 01:59 PM

I just read a post where someone said "if you crushed the grains then you are mashing" and "if the grains are not crushed you are just steeping." Can someone clarify this for me. I bought my grains crushed last week and I steeped them.

I'm pretty sure it wouldn't matter but I am just curious.

**frazier** · 08-03-2010, 02:03 PM

You only ever want to work with crushed grains, whether steeping or mashing.

Mashing is a controlled steep, with temperatures controlled more closely, and including grains with diastatic power (enzymes which convert starch to sugar). Steeping is for grains such as crystal in which the sugars are already converted. But in either case, they need to be crushed.

**nebben** · 08-03-2010, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonbomb

I just read a post where someone said "if you crushed the grains then you are mashing" and "if the grains are not crushed you are just steeping." Can someone clarify this for me. I bought my grains crushed last week and I steeped them.

I'm pretty sure it wouldn't matter but I am just curious.

Yes. Always crushed.

Steeping grains make a grain tea of sorts. Mashing has enzyme reactions taking place that allow starches to convert to sugar.

stevo155 · 08-03-2010, 02:54 PM

Crush 'em!