What is one physical indication that malt may be poorly conditioned?

Malt that has been poorly conditioned often exhibits a sticky texture, which is a clear physical indication of its compromised state. Poor conditioning can be caused by various factors, such as improper storage or inadequate drying processes. When malt retains excess moisture or is not properly managed during the malting process, the resulting product tends to clump together, leading to a sticky or gummy consistency. This can affect both handling and the brewing process itself, ultimately impacting the quality of the beer produced.

Uniform color is generally a sign of consistent malting and conditioning. Low moisture content is usually desired in malt, as it indicates proper drying; however, it does not alone indicate poor conditioning. High extract yield typically suggests good malt quality, which is not consistent with the concept of poorly conditioned malt. Thus, the sticky texture is the most appropriate indication of malt that has not been conditioned properly.