What Is Barley?

Barley is the oldest grain in human history: It is considered “the” primeval grain and is one of the ingredients that may be used for brewing beer according to the German Purity Law. But the barley grain can do much more: barley flour or pearl barley are the basis of many drinks and dishes.

Interesting facts about barley

As archaeological finds prove, the primeval grain already existed 800,000 years ago. It has been cultivated for 10,000 years, starting with the Middle East and Central Asia. In ancient times, barley was considered an important staple food, prized by Greek Olympians as much as Roman gladiators.

Today, the grain can be found on all continents worldwide and is used in various areas: while winter barley is primarily used as animal feed, spring barley is used to brew beer and to produce groats, pearl barley and flour. Barley is one of the types of grain that are the first to be harvested: In this country, the ears of corn can be harvested as early as the end of June to the end of July, depending on the weather and location.

Purchasing, storage, and cooking tips for barley

Even if the grain is traditionally used primarily as barley malt for beer production: not only good beers can be brewed from the grain, but also delicious dishes can be prepared. From the hearty barley soup with bacon, potatoes, and vegetables to the Moroccan national dish couscous, whose semolina can be made from durum wheat, millet or barley: It is worth including this gift of nature in your diet. Incidentally, it can also be used to bake savory breads, whereby the flour – similar to oats, which are used in our recipe for oatmeal biscuits – only has a small amount of gluten. Due to its low stickiness, barley flour should only be used in conjunction with other types of flour that contain more gluten.

Good to know: In addition to the ears of corn, barley grass can also be used. In dried and ground form – i.e. as barley grass powder – it has a particularly long shelf life. Also read our article about the effects of barley grass.

If stored correctly, the grain can easily be stored for several years. Whether as flour, whole grain cereal grains or barley from pearl barley: dark, dry storage in well-sealed packaging that also protects against moth infestation is ideal.

Is barley wheat?

Unlike wheat, barley does not contain gluten. If it is used for baking, it should therefore be mixed with gluten-containing flour. Barley is therefore usually found in mixed breads. Because of its high mineral content, barley is considered a very healthy grain (source: schweizerbrot.ch).

Why is barley so healthy?

The most medicinally valuable insoluble fiber in barley is called beta-glucan, which not only aids digestion but also lowers cholesterol and blood sugar and can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

What do you make with barley?

Barley grains are baked into bread or eaten as pearl barley (polished grains) in soups. About a tenth of world production goes into the production of malt, which is required for brewing beer (brewing barley) and for the production of malt coffee. Whiskey is also made from barley.

What foods have barley?

Most of the barley grown in Germany is used as animal feed and brewing barley. A small portion is processed into foods such as pearl barley, groats, flakes and flour as well as malt flour for baking agents or coffee substitutes (malt coffee).

How do you eat barley?

Barley gives soups, stews and (as pearl barley) desserts such as red fruit jelly more flavor. Whole barley grains are perfect as a side dish or as an ingredient in vegetable dishes. Barley flakes and the barley flour obtained from them are very good for cooking, baking and muesli.

Is barley flatulent?

Beer. Especially wheat beer and dark beers can cause flatulence. Responsible are the yeast and barley contained, which produce more gases and can also cause diarrhea.

What vitamins does barley have?

In addition to 10% protein and 57% starch, barley contains little fat, but many important nutrients, in particular trace elements such as calcium, iron, potassium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. In addition, barley is rich in vitamins. It contains niacin, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, and vitamin E.