# Maize and Sorghum as Raw Materials for Brewing, a Review
## 2 Maize and Sorghum: Raw Materials for Brewing
### Other Uses  
In general, cereals have multiple uses, and maize and sorghum are not exceptions to this rule.  
Maize or corn (_Zea mays_ L.) is among the most significant crops in the world from an energy point of view. Historically, the demand for maize has been determined by the starch industry and the bird feed industry. More recently, research has studied the use of other parts of this cereal. Maize outperforms other ingredients in bioethanol production, with respect to generated starch content levels (over 72% of the U.S.), crop yield and ethanol yield [14; 36].  
Globally, corn is mainly used for animal feed (64%), with significant amounts used as human food (16%), industrial starch and beverages (19%), and seeds (1%). Corn has reached a significant position as an industrial crop; 83% of its products are used in the starch and feed industry [8; 38].  
Today, it is also considered a vital cereal in several countries, especially in Asia, Central/South America, and Africa. Maize serves as the basic ingredient for thousands of products, including: alcohol, oil, protein, beverages, pharmaceuticals, food sweeteners, food grains, cornflakes, corn flour, starch, syrups, dextrose, cosmetics, films, textiles, paper, biofuels, and more. As one of our fundamental food crops, corn can be used in various forms, including: corn flour for confectionery use, semolina (in soup), ground corn (in animal feed), and fried corn. Corn is also cooked or boiled as a form of porridge [132; 133; 134].  
Around 40-75% of animal feed is maize; thus, maize grains are essential for meat, eggs, and dairy products, providing the animals with energy and other essential for survival. Several beverages, including alcoholic beverages, have been obtained from maize, both locally and industrially [135; 136]. Edible oils obtained from maize seeds contain a high level of natural antioxidants, and are used in the preparation of salads or for cooking household foods. They provide nourishing nutrients for the human body [137; 138]. Roasted seeds are used as a coffee substitute. Maize starch is also well known for its use in the cosme industry, and in the pharmaceutical industry, where it is used to create edible packaging [139; 140]. Maize seeds are essential in the manufacture of alcohol and stem fibers for papermaking. Industrial uses of maize have grown and diversified over many years, ranging from mixed feed manufacturing, dry milling, wet milling, distillation, and fermentation. Fermentation industries produce butyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, propyl alcohol, lactic acid, acetic acid, acetaldehyde, acetone, citric acid, glycerol, and whiskey, among other relevant products which are currently flooding the industrial market [34].  
Sorghum is also utilized for many purposes. This cereal is traditionally grown as a food source for people and animals. Because it is grown in most African and Asian countries, it has been used in many types of food (often indigenous) as well as alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. People of the savannah regions of Africa and Asia generally consume sorghum wine, or soft beverages such as kunu-zaki.  
Many developing countries (especially Africa) use over 78% of their sorghum crops for food, with approximately 14% used for animal feed and 7% for diverse uses [43].  
For western countries, where 40% of the global sorghum crop is produced, this cereal is mostly used as fodder or for ethanol production. More recently, research has focused on the benefits of sorghum in human food, including its vast nutritional potential and its impact on the quality of life of people with celiac disease. In addition, the growing demand for gluten-free foods and drinks has led to numerous studies of sorghum as a crop for human consumption. Various sorghum-based products have been created, including bakery products, pasta, and biscuits. Moreover, innovative sorghum hybrids with tannin-free white cereals (often referred to as food-grade sorghum) have been developed for gluten-free food markets [141; 142; 143; 144; 145].