Multi-response kinetic modelling of the formation of five Strecker aldehydes during kilning of barley malt

International audienceStrecker aldehydes are responsible for the characteristic aroma of malts, but also important aroma compounds in beer. In malt, they are formed during the curing stage of kilning. The formation of five Strecker aldehydes (2-methylpropanal, 2-methylbutanal, 3-methybutanal, phenylacetaldehyde and methional) during this process was studied at pilot scale. Green malts were dried and cured at different temperatures (65, 78 and 90 °C) isothermally for 8.4 h. Multi-response kinetic modelling was used to develop a mathematical model based on precursors concentration, Amadori rearrangement products (ARP), Strecker aldehydes, temperature and time. This model demonstrated that the formation of Strecker aldehydes in malt was controlled from the formation of two intermediates: ARP and short chain dicarbonyls (SCDC). The kinetic model proposed in this study will help maltsters and researchers understand and manipulate the formation of these compounds in malt and the organoleptic quality of the beers brewed from them