Pearl Barley

What Is Pearl Barley?

Pearl barley is a round, glossy whitish grain product obtained by abrading and polishing the hard outer bran of the barley grain (Hordeum vulgare). It gets its name from its pearl-like glossy appearance after polishing.

Since part of the grain is abraded during processing, it cooks in a shorter time than whole (hulled) barley; on the other hand, since part of the bran layer is lost, its fiber ratio is also slightly reduced. Still, it stands out among grains for its high fiber content.

Nutritional Values of Pearl Barley

100 grams of raw pearl barley contains about 352 kcal of energy, 9.9 g of protein, and 15.6 g of fiber. Its high fiber content comes from barley's characteristic beta-glucan compound. Values are approximate.

How Should Pearl Barley Be Consumed?

With its high fiber and moderate protein content, pearl barley can be considered part of a balanced diet; it's regarded as a more filling alternative to white rice in soups and pilafs.

This information is general; pearl barley is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Pearl Barley?

A good pearl barley has grains that are even in size, whitish-glossy, and whole; yellowed, dusty, or moldy-smelling packs should not be preferred.

• Grains should be even in size, whitish, and glossy
• Dust and broken grain ratio should be low
• Should not carry a moisture or moldy odor

How to Store Pearl Barley?

Dry pearl barley can be kept in a sealed container in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 1 year. Cooked pearl barley stays fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days.

Using Pearl Barley in the Kitchen

Pearl barley is mostly used in soups (e.g. barley soup, lamb-barley soup), pilafs, and cold salads; it's also used to prepare a creamy risotto-like dish called "barlotto."

Are Pearl Barley and Barley Flakes the Same?

No; pearl barley is hulled barley in whole grain form, while barley flakes are that grain flattened. Pearl barley gives a firmer texture, while flakes give a softer texture that cooks faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should pearl barley be soaked?

It's not mandatory, but soaking shortens the cooking time; if cooked without soaking, the time should be kept a bit longer.

Is pearl barley used in pilaf?

Yes; it can be used instead of rice or bulgur, giving a pilaf with a different character thanks to its firm texture.

Is pearl barley gluten-free?

No; barley naturally contains gluten, so celiac patients and gluten-sensitive people should not consume it.