What Is Barley?
Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is one of the oldest cultivated grains in the world and has been used throughout history for human food, animal feed, and brewing beer. The most commonly sold form is pearl barley, from which some of the bran has been removed.
Whole-grain barley with the hull intact takes longer to cook, while pearl barley softens more quickly. It has a slightly sweet flavor and a chewy texture.
Barley Nutrition Facts
One hundred grams of cooked pearl barley contain about 123 kcal of energy, 2.3 g of protein, and 3.8 g of fiber; barley is a rich source of the soluble fiber beta-glucan.
What Are the Benefits of Barley?
With its fiber, especially beta-glucan, barley is one of the grains featured as part of a balanced diet. Its slowly digested texture has traditionally made it a popular ingredient in hearty soups and pilafs.
This is general information; barley is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment. Barley contains gluten, so people with celiac disease should not eat it.
How to Choose Barley
Quality barley should be a uniform pale beige; choose pearl barley or hulled whole-grain barley according to the recipe.
- Choose pearl barley for quicker cooking and hulled barley for more fiber.
- The grains should be uniform in size and unbroken.
- They should have no musty odor or signs of moisture.
How to Store Barley
Dry barley stays fresh for up to 1 year in a sealed container in a cool, dark cupboard. Cooked barley can be stored for 4–5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How to Use Barley in the Kitchen
Barley is most often used in soups and pilaf-style dishes; it can also be cooked using the risotto method to make a creamy barley risotto.
How to Make Barley Soup
Simmer rinsed pearl barley with onion and carrot in vegetable or meat stock over low heat for 25–30 minutes, until the grains are tender.
How to Make Barley Pilaf
Add rinsed barley to sautéed onion and cook briefly. Add hot water, cover, and cook over low heat for 25–30 minutes until tender.
What Recipes Use Barley?
Barley soup, barley pilaf, vegetable barley salad, and barley risotto are among the most commonly prepared recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between pearl barley and hulled barley?
Some of the bran layer has been removed from pearl barley, so it cooks more quickly; hulled barley is a whole grain, takes longer to cook, and contains more fiber.
What is barley good for?
It is rich in beta-glucan and fiber and is one of the grains featured as part of a balanced diet. It is a food and is not claimed to cure any disease.
Is barley gluten-free?
No. Barley contains gluten; people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should not eat barley.
How long does barley take to cook?
Pearl barley cooks in about 25–30 minutes, while hulled whole-grain barley takes 45–60 minutes and generally needs to be soaked beforehand.
Is barley similar to orzo?
No, they are different products: orzo is a type of pasta made from flour, while barley is a natural grain. Although they can look similar in some soups, their textures and nutritional values differ.