tworow

Tworow, usually written as two-row in most agronomic and brewing literature, refers primarily to the two-row barley phenotype, a form of Hordeum vulgare. The term is used to distinguish this type from other barley types, notably six-row barley. In many databases and product labels,_tworow_ appears as a variant spelling or a shorthand form for two-row barley.

Two-row barley is characterized by a spike that bears two rows of kernels. This contrasts with six-row barley, which has six rows. The difference is largely genetic, with the row-type controlled by specific alleles at the Vrs1 locus; the two-row form is typically recessive to the six-row form. Two-row barley generally yields grain with lower protein content and is valued for malting quality, producing fermentable sugars that contribute to malt extract and beer flavor.

Uses and significance: In brewing and malt production, two-row barley is favored for its consistent grain size, smoother fermentability, and often higher malting efficiency compared with six-row barleys. It is widely grown in Europe and North America for malting barley used in pale lagers and other beer styles, as well as in specialty malts for craft brewing. Agricultural and malting industries routinely distinguish two-row and six-row types to match end-use requirements and processing qualities.

Other meanings: While the primary reference is to two-row barley, the term tworow can appear in brand names, product labels, or database entries where a compact spelling is used. In most encyclopedic contexts, however, the focus remains on the barley phenotype and its role in malting and beer production.

See also: Two-row barley, Six-row barley.