Lesson 10 Processing of Grain Crops Study Questions

Lesson 10: Processing of Grain Crops

Study Questions 1. What are the steps in processing grain crops? 2. What techniques can be used to preserve grain products? 3. Why is grain inspected? 4. What factors are considered in grading grain? 5. How are the different grades of grains used? 6. What is the structure of the food grain industry?

Why are grains processed • Grains are processed to make them consumer ready.

Steps in Processing Grain Crops • Harvest • Transport – Rail – Barge – Truck

Seed Journey Project

Steps in Processing Grain Crops • Milling-cereal grains – Dry milling • • • remove foreign seeds and soil condition to proper moisture Separate germ, bran (hull) and endosperm Grind Roll Sieve – Wet milling- used for corn • Water slurry used to separate germ, bran, and endosperm

Steps in Processing Grain Crops • Malting – Germinate barley seeds to activate enzymes • Roasting- oil seeds – Grains are steamed and crushed to expose oil • Enrichment and fortification • Extrusion- Compresses food into semisolid mass and forces through a restricted opening.

Preservation Techniques • Drying below 14 percent (sun can dry to 14%) – Grains, meals, flours, pasta • Regulating osmotic pressure – corn syrups with high sugar content • Irradiation- Europe and Russia – Destroys any insects, molds, bacteria

Inspecting Grain • To determine its quality/wholesomeness • To establish a price

Factors in Grading Grain • • • Test weight Moisture- greatest threat Damaged/split grains Heat damaged grains Foreign material Diseased/treated kernals

Use of Grains • Grades U. S. #1 and #2 are suitable for human food processing • Grades U. S. #3, #4, #5 and sample grade are processed for animal feed. They may be upgraded with U. S. #1 to meet U. S. #2 standards, depending on reason for initial grade

Structure of the Food Grain Industry • Very diverse; ranges from multi-million dollar conglomerates to local processing businesses. • Kansas City Board of Trade- Wheat sales • Chicago Board of Trade- multi-grain sales • Contract growers- raise specific varieties for specific mills