Barely is a cereal grass having the flowers in dense spikes with long awns and three spikelets at each joint of the rachis also : its seed used especially in malt beverages, breakfast foods, and stock feeds.
Types of barley
- Whole grain barley has all three parts of the grain kernel. Since whole grain barley has these three parts, it is higher in fibre and has more vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients than refined grains. Only the hull is polished or scrubbed off.
- Pot or scotch barley has been polished a bit further so it cooks quicker. It’s also a whole grain.
- Pearl barley has been polished one step further. It does not have the bran layer so it’s not a whole grain.
Tips for using barley
- There is no need to rinse barley before using it.
- To enhance the flavour of barley, heat the kernels in a skillet for a few minutes or cook it in broth instead of water.
- Save time. Cook extra barley & freeze it. Add it to soups or salads.
- Use pot or pearl barley interchangeably in recipes.
Barley Health Benefits
- One cup of barely has around 6 grams of fiber, which supports good health and some claims suggest it can even help prevent colon cancer.
- The soluble fiber found in this healthy food dissolves and binds with fatty acids in the body. This can lower total cholesterol levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is typically referred to as the “bad” kind. It also reduces the risk of coronary heart disease.
- Barley lessens hunger largely through its high fiber content. A soluble fiber known as beta-glucan is particularly helpful.
- Most of the fiber found in barley is insoluble, which — unlike soluble fiber — does not dissolve in water. Instead, it adds bulk to your stool and accelerates intestinal movement, reducing your likelihood of constipation.
- Barley may reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and improving insulin secretion.
