June 02, 2020 2 min read
More & more people are recognizing the health benefits of barley. In its unrefined form (Hulledor Hull-less, also called ‘eBarley’) it has the highest fiber of any grain. Plus, it is the best kind of fiber, beta-glucans. All this fiber means that making 60 grams of barley part of your daily diet can help lower your blood sugar, cholesterol, and boost your immune system. There is also some evidence that adding more fiber to your diet can help you lose weight. Note that barley does contain gluten, so it is not suitable for those with celiac or other gluten sensitivities.
Pearled barley (and any products made from pearled barley are not as nutritious, nor do you get the fiber benefits as pearled barley is considered a refined grain (think white rice). However, because barley is unique in having the fiber content spread out through the entire kernel of grain (instead of just the bran layer), it still has a decent fiber content in this form.
To learn more about what makes each of these types of barley unique check out our blog: Hulled, Hull-less & Pearled Barley: What's the Difference?
Taste Differences
There is not really a large difference in taste between the three, except that Pearl barley is a bit more bland with Hulled and Hull-less barley being nuttier in flavour.
Cooking
When cooking any barley, always use a 3 to 1 ratio (3 cups water to 1 cup barley), bring to a boil then simmer. The simmer time is 50-55 minutes for unrefined, 45 minutes for Pearl.
Unrefined barley (Hulled & Hull-less) both need to be soaked overnight in freshwater first. They retain their shape and are chewier. This makes them a good addition to soups and salads or as a base for a grain bowl. Whole grain barley can be made into other whole-grain products including barley grits, barley flakes, and barley flour. It can also be sprouted and dried before being made into any of these products to increase nutrition. The best sprouting barley is Hull-less.
Refined barley (Pearl, also known as ‘quick pearl’) does not need to be soaked and softens a lot more when cooked. This makes it well suited for creamier dishes such as risotto. It can also be used to make barley grits, barley flakes, and barley flour.
Any type of barley can be substituted in place of rice in dishes to increase the nutrition and fiber content, or even in place of oatmeal in the morning.
❤ Try our USDA certified organic Barley Products ❤
Recipes:
Related Blogs:
Thanks for reading this Be Still Farms Blog article. To sign up for more news/articles and/or recipes, click here. For more about us, click here. To shop our certified organic products, click here.
Please comment and share and we look forward to serving you in the future!
Comments will be approved before showing up.
November 06, 2024 4 min read
Flaxseed is a powerful ally for hormone health, especially for women. Rich in lignans, fiber, and Omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed helps regulate estrogen levels, supports menstrual health, and eases menopause symptoms. Its phytoestrogens naturally balance estrogen, while its fiber aids in detoxifying excess hormones. Adding 1-2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed daily to smoothies, salads, or baked goods can be a simple way to promote hormonal balance and overall well-being.
November 04, 2024 4 min read
October 21, 2024 2 min read
Making hulless barley flour at home is a simple and rewarding process that adds a nutritious, fiber-rich ingredient to your pantry. In just a few steps, you can grind your own fresh flour, perfect for baking, thickening soups, or enhancing smoothies. Learn how to clean, grind, and store your homemade hulless barley flour with this easy guide!
© 2024 Be Still Farms- Real, Fine Organics.
Privacy | Terms | Refund Policy | Organic Certification