Dirty little Secrets...

FOOD FIND
Malta is a popular beverage; usually thought of as a Cuban drink, but my research has lead me to believe that its origins actually lead back to Germany. Malta is basically unfermented beer, and therefore, non-alcoholic. It is a type of soft drink, also known as “young beer”, “black brewed beer”, “wheat soda”, or “champagne cola”. It is a carbonated malt beverage, meaning it is brewed from barley, hops, and water, much like beer. Malta has a similar color to stout, and is thick, with a sweet and rich flavor. Some people compare its taste to molasses, with earthy undertones of chocolate. Rich in Vitamin B, Malta was originally used to nourish children, the sick, and the elderly, but has since become a mainstream beverage. Although, today some brands now make a formula that is fortified with vitamins, and consumed as a "health drink". Originally, there were no additives but, these days, virtually all commercially produced Malta contains added sugar of some sort. Like soda, most people add ice when drinking it, and many Latin Americans also mix in condensed or evaporated milk. Regardless of its origins, Malta has become popular in many Caribbean and Latin American countries, and even Africa. Its popularity is growing as an ingredient in specialty drinks and food recipes worldwide. These days, Malta can be found in nearly any Latin market, or even major grocery stores with a Latin foods section. If you’re already an experienced brewer, here’s a recipe for Malta. If you’re not familiar with brewing, just go to the store and buy some, then try out the second recipe!

Malts:

8 lbs Pale Malt (US 2 row)

1.25 lbs Carahelle malt

.25 lb Chocolate Malt (350)

1.50 lbs Cane Sugar (Piloncillo) broken up

2.50 lbs Molasses

Hops:

.5 oz Liberty 4.4%

Yeast:

None

Instructions:

Mash In: Add 12.5 qts of water at 170.5 F

Hold Mash at 158 F for 45 min

Mash Out: Add 5.0 qt of water at 196 F

Hold mash at 168 for 10 min

Sparge with 3.39 gal of 168 F water

Add water to achieve boil volume of 6.3 gallons.

Add hops and cane sugar for full 90 minute boil, there are no flavor or aroma additions.

Add Molasses during last 10 minutes of the boil.

The malta ended up as follows:

Specifications

OG: 1.053
FG: 1.053
Bitterness: 6 IBU’s

*Recipe from askthebeerguy.com

MALTA CON LECHE CONDENSADA (MALTA W/SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK)

Ingredients:

1 16 oz Malta

1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk

Crushed ice

Dash of vanilla extract

Preparation: In large chilled glass, pour Malta, add condensed milk and vanilla. Stir well. Top with crushed ice. Serves 1-2.

*Recipe from flanboyanteats.com

*Photo from sodapopstop.com