Barley Coffee
A traditional caffeine-free hot drink with a color and taste close to coffee, obtained by roasting and grinding barley grains. It has long been a known coffee alternative in countries like Turkey and Italy.
What Is Barley Coffee?
Barley coffee is a caffeine-free hot beverage made by roasting and grinding barley grains. It is a traditional coffee alternative long known in Turkey and in European countries such as Italy (caffè d'orzo).
Depending on the roasting degree, it has a color ranging from light brown to dark brown and a mildly grainy-roasted taste; it has a lighter and softer profile compared to coffee.
Nutritional Values of Barley Coffee
One cup (approximately 240 ml) of unsweetened barley coffee contains approximately 2 kcal of energy; it is caffeine-free. Values are approximate.
How Should Barley Coffee Be Consumed?
Barley coffee is consumed as part of a balanced diet, in measured amounts like other hot beverages.
This information is general; barley coffee is a beverage and is not a substitute for medical treatment. Those with gluten sensitivity should avoid this barley-based beverage.
How to Choose Barley Coffee?
A good barley coffee is one with a brown tone appropriate to its roasting degree, a grainy-roasted aroma, and a homogeneous powder appearance.
- Color should be a brown tone appropriate to the roasting degree
- Aroma should be grainy-roasted
- Powder should be homogeneous, not clumped
How to Store Barley Coffee?
Barley coffee is stored in a dry, closed container in a cool place; absorbing moisture can lead to clumping and aroma loss.
Using Barley Coffee in the Kitchen
Barley coffee is most often brewed directly with hot water or milk and drunk; in Italian cuisine it is sometimes also prepared in an espresso machine.
Why Is Barley Coffee Preferred?
Being caffeine-free is the main reason it is preferred by people sensitive to caffeine or wanting a warm, coffee-like drink in the evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is barley coffee real coffee?
No; it contains no coffee beans and is made entirely from barley grains. Only its roasted color and mild taste evoke coffee.
Can barley coffee be made at home?
Yes; barley grains can be roasted in a dry pan until dark brown, cooled, and then ground to prepare it.
Is barley coffee found in Turkey?
It is common; found as ready-made powder at herbalists, spice shops, and places selling healthy food products.