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Last Zymurgy had an interesting article on grain conditioning, supposedly an old German technique of misting the grain lightly with water prior to crushing. The benefit is that it makes the husk more pliable and less brittle, so it doesn't get powdery/small. I tried it Friday and what a difference.
I spread 4# of MO on the island and spritzed with distilled water, spread it around, and spritzed again. Then left for about 30 minutes and came back and crushed. Attached is a photo of both.
The wetted MO is on left, with much more husk intact and much larger volume. The bowl was about 1.5 inches empty before wetting, and after wetting the bowl was full. The dry MO just shattered and fell apart more easily. I was impressed and intend to try all the grains next time.
I spread 4# of MO on the island and spritzed with distilled water, spread it around, and spritzed again. Then left for about 30 minutes and came back and crushed. Attached is a photo of both.
The wetted MO is on left, with much more husk intact and much larger volume. The bowl was about 1.5 inches empty before wetting, and after wetting the bowl was full. The dry MO just shattered and fell apart more easily. I was impressed and intend to try all the grains next time.