Question about powdered enzymes

[GNBrews]

If powdered enzyme is used, do the same reaction kinetics happen via temperature? IE. Would mashing at 156F with powdered enzymes produce a fuller bodied beer than mashing at 148F? Or, does the powder just produce a highly fermentable wort no matter what as long as it's not denatured (170F+).

 

[Ralphie0523]

If powdered enzyme is used, do the same reaction kinetics happen via temperature? IE. Would mashing at 156F with powdered enzymes produce a fuller bodied beer than mashing at 148F? Or, does the powder just produce a highly fermentable wort no matter what as long as it's not denatured (170F+).

The two big levers on enzyme activity are temperature and pH. All enzymes have an ideal range of both for activity. The theory would be that if you are outside of the ideal ranges the less enzymatic activity would occur. Depends on the enzyme and what range the Manufacturer gives.

My guess would be that you would get a technically less fermentable wort but in practice it may be only a few points different. All bets are off of enzyme is added post boil though, the above only comes into play if being held at a temperature pre-boil.

 

[Vale71]

If powdered enzyme is used, do the same reaction kinetics happen via temperature? IE. Would mashing at 156F with powdered enzymes produce a fuller bodied beer than mashing at 148F? Or, does the powder just produce a highly fermentable wort no matter what as long as it's not denatured (170F+).

It entirely depends on what type of enzymes we're talking about. "Powdered" is not a type of enzyme, it's just the form they're packaged and delivered in.

 

[GNBrews]

It entirely depends on what type of enzymes we're talking about. "Powdered" is not a type of enzyme, it's just the form they're packaged and delivered in.

I'm referring to the powdered enzyme (as opposed to the liquid alpha or fungus derived Amyloglucosidase) you can purchase at a LHBS. Typically it's labeled "Amylase enzyme" and is supposed to be 4% alpha-amylase and 96% Dextrose as a flow agent. Does that help?