What does the % plump/% thin system measure in malt?

The % plump/% thin system measures the size and distinction of malt kernels. This system assesses the proportion of malt kernels that fall within specific size categories, which is crucial for understanding how the malt will perform during the brewing process. Plump kernels generally indicate high-quality malt with greater potential for conversion during mashing, while thin kernels may signify lower quality or issues during the malting process.

Kernel size can impact various brewing parameters, including extract yield, enzyme activity, and overall efficiency during mashing. Thus, understanding the kernel size distribution helps brewers make informed choices about malt selection and processing.