Sorghum Pericarp Thickness and Its Relation to Decortication in a Wooden Mortar and PestleJ FScheuringauthorSSidiibiauthorL WRooneyauthorC FEarpauthorIn Mali, as in most parts of West Africa, sorghum is decorticated as the first step in food preparation (Rooney and Kirleis 1980). The term "milling" usually refers to decortication of the grain plus reduction of the decorticated grain into flour or other products. Traditionally, decortication is accomplished by pounding the grain in a wooden mortar with a wooden pestle. The pestle weighs approximately 3 kg and does not have a metal butt like many pestles used in India. The mortar weighs approximately 12 kg and has an approximate capacity of 12 L. Before decortication, the grain is washed thoroughly to remove dust, glumes, and small stones. During washing, the grain absorbs water and reaches about 20% moisture. Immediately...........Sorghum1983American Association of Cereal ChemistsArticle