Known since the stone ages, barley was already cultivated by Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, who used it to prepare bread, cakes, soups and naturally fermented beer. Cheers! Barley is a very sustainable and adaptable plant; in fact it can be grown from almost as far north as the Arctic Circle to the boundary of the Sahara desert.
Barley presents remarkable fiber content characterized by a high level of β-glucans, which actively reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It is also rich in tocols and phenols, natural antioxidants that help to counteract the action of free radicals. Along with oats, barley is the cereal with the lowest glycaemic index, and it is one of the most easily digestible grains. Barley puffs up a lot while it cooks and the dishes made with it are very filling and low in calories.
Pearled Barley has been mechanically processed to completely remove the husk and also the outer part of the kernel, making it more digestible and easier to cook.
* Chefs Tips *
Pearled Barley
45-60 minutes of cooking
pre-soaking not required
*Before using Barley rinse it thoroughly under running water and remove any debris that you may find
*Find the perfect texture by tasting your Barley while cooking
*Treat yourself with a tasty and wholesome Sweet-Sour Barley & Seafood Salad
*Give some bite and substance to your soup with a handful of Barley and a wealth of spices
*Get drunk while restoring yourself with a Barley & Beer Soup
*Enjoy the Italian tradition dressed by a touch of avant-garde with a Pumpkin + Taleggio & Amaretti creamy Barley Risotto
*Go Vegan by having a Crispy Barley Savoury Pie or some Barley-stuffed Zucchini
*Never forget a drizzle of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
*Still hungry? Have more here!