Which of the following is NOT a key malt quality parameter?

The correct choice indicates that sweetness is not considered a key malt quality parameter. In the context of brewing, key malt quality parameters generally focus on characteristics that significantly influence the brewing process and the final beer product. Moisture content is crucial because it affects the stability and extractability of the malt during mashing. Color is vital as it relates directly to the visual appeal and style of the beer, influencing consumer perception. Protein and nitrogen levels are important for enzyme activity and overall yeast health during fermentation.

On the other hand, sweetness is more subjective and varies with different sugars that may be present in the malt after processing. While the malt may have perceived sweetness due to specific sugar profiles, it is not typically measured as a direct quality parameter in malt analysis. Factors like fermentability, which is influenced by the types of sugars present, are assessed instead of sweetness itself. Thus, sweetness is not considered a fundamental parameter in evaluating malt quality for brewing purposes.