How does the pH of wort affect enzyme activity during mashing, and what pH range is optimal for most brewing enzymes?

The pH of wort significantly affects enzyme activity during mashing because enzymes are proteins, and their three-dimensional structure, and therefore their activity, is highly sensitive to pH. Mashing is the process of mixing crushed malt with hot water to activate enzymes that break down starches into fermentable sugars. Enzymes have an optimal pH range where they function most efficiently. Outside of this range, their activity decreases, and they can even become denatured, losing their activity entirely. Different brewing enzymes have different optimal pH ranges, but the most important enzymes for mashing, alpha-amylase and beta-amylase, along with protease and beta-glucanase, function best within a relatively narrow pH range. Alpha-amylase is responsible for breaking down long-chain starches into smaller, non-fermentable dextrins. It functions optimally at a pH between 5.4 and 5.7. Beta-amylase is responsible for breaking down starches into fermentable sugars, primarily maltose. It functions optimally at a pH between 5.2 and 5.4. Protease breaks down proteins into amino acids, which are important nutrients for yeast. It functions optimally at a pH between 4.6 and 5.2. Beta-glucanase breaks down beta-glucans, which can increase wort viscosity and cause lautering problems. It functions optimally at a pH between 3.5 and 5.5. Therefore, the optimal pH range for most brewing enzymes during mashing is between 5.2 and 5.6. Maintaining the mash pH within this range ensures that all of the key enzymes are functioning efficiently, resulting in optimal starch conversion and extract yield. If the mash pH is too high, alpha-amylase activity will be favored, resulting in a wort with a higher concentration of dextrins and a lower concentration of fermentable sugars. This can lead to a beer with a fuller body and lower alcohol content. If the mash pH is too low, beta-amylase activity will be inhibited, resulting in a wort with a lower concentration of fermentable sugars and a higher concentration of unconverted starches. This can lead to a beer with a thinner body and lower alcohol content. Brewers often adjust the pH of the mash water to ensure that the mash pH falls within the optimal range. This can be done by adding calcium salts, such as calcium chloride or calcium sulfate, or by using acidulated malt.