The best varieties of barley

Choosing pearl barley

Pearl barley is a real treasure, full of vitamins, minerals and other useful substances. However, quite often she is treated without due respect, and in vain. No wonder its name comes from the word "pearl" - pearl.

Previously, this cereal was considered the porridge of the poor. But now, thanks to the fashion for healthy eating, it can be found in the dishes of the most expensive restaurants. It contains a lot of slow carbohydrates, which provide a lot of energy and fill you with a feeling of fullness for a long time. In addition, barley has the lowest glycemic index of all cereals. It is not for nothing that barley is increasingly being chosen for themselves by people who monitor their weight.

Pearl barley is rich in phosphorus, which helps to absorb calcium, normalizes metabolic processes, and has a beneficial effect on the brain and nervous system. Thanks to the mass of B vitamins that make up its composition, this cereal is indicated for depressive disorders.

In ancient times, barley, as a medicine, was fed to those who were tormented by colds and coughs. Together with the porridge, a substance called "hordecin", which has antibacterial and antifungal properties, entered the human body. Barley lysine, an amino acid that has an antiviral effect, gives additional healing power.

Barley broth has a softening, enveloping, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic effect. This cereal is recommended to eat for inflammatory processes in the gastrointestinal tract.

How to choose

Pearl barley is processed barley. In stores it can be found in crushed form under the name "barley groats". Needless to say, with such processing, barley grains lose a decent share of useful properties.

The pearl barley itself is a whole, peeled and polished grain. It is distinguished by the size and shape of the grains: the first and second numbers are large oblong kernels, the third, fourth and fifth ones are small, round.

It is most correct to buy pearl barley, packaged in cardboard boxes. In cellophane, it quickly becomes rancid - the barley kernels release moisture, and this creates a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms. Did you see drops on the walls of the bag? Feel free to send this package back to the shelf - you shouldn't buy such cereal.

Cereal color

The color of pearl barley varies from white to yellowish, while grains with a greenish tint are allowed.

How to cook

The groats need to be soaked from evening to night. Rinse thoroughly in the morning. It must be boiled in plenty of water. Approximate proportions: a glass for two liters of water or milk. Cooking time until tender is approximately one and a half to two hours. It is better to do this in a saucepan with a thick bottom so that the pearl barley does not burn. Barley grits are cooked much less - about 45 minutes.

As the main feature of barley, it should be noted that the porridge, when it cools, almost instantly becomes tough and tasteless.Therefore, it is advisable to eat it immediately after cooking, and even more so not to leave it the next day.

Interesting Facts

Barley was domesticated in the Middle East more than ten thousand years ago. In Russia it was called "the mother of bread" and was widely used - they baked bread and flat cakes, made kvass and barley vinegar.

Barley was a favorite porridge of Peter I. It was seasoned with butter, honey and poppy seeds. To cook porridge, like from a Russian oven, you need to cook it in a water bath for at least 6 hours.

Two years ago, Austrian scientists examined bones found at the site of a mass grave of gladiators near the Turkish city of Ephesus. Chemical analysis only confirmed previous research: the gladiators were vegetarians. And according to historical documents, the basis of the diet of the fighters included barley porridge, flat cakes and kvass.

Pearl barley dishes are considered one of the most traditional in Russia. They are useful and inexpensive, but unfortunately not very popular.

What barley is made of

The product is made from refined barley kernels. Hard shells or bran are removed from the grain using a special technology. This is how the best pearl barley variety is obtained.

Another species - Dutch, looks like a whole grain of barley in the form of a ball. Such a product digests faster and has a lighter texture.

Barley groats are also a type of pearl barley. It is finely chopped, unlike other types. In accordance with the size of the grains, various grades of yachka are determined.

Chemical composition and nutritional value

A 100-gram portion of pearl barley contains 320.5 kcal and contains the following substances:

Water	14 g
Carbohydrates	74 g
Fats	1.1 g
Protein	9.4 g
Monosaccharides, disaccharides	1.5 g
Ash	1 g
Starch	65.8 g
Fiber	1 g
Vit. IN 1	0.1 mg
Vit. AT 2	0.06 mg
Vit. AT 3	0.5 mg
Vit. AT 6	0,4 mg
Vit. AT 9	25 mcg
Vit. E	3.7 mg
Vit. PP	2mg
Cobalt	1.9 μg
Iron	1.8 mg
Manganese	650 mcg
Potassium	172 mg
Copper	280 mcg
Calcium	38 mg
Molybdenum	12 mcg
Magnesium	40 mg
Nickel	20 mcg
Sodium	10 mg
Titanium	17 mcg
Sulfur	7 7mg
Fluorine	60 mcg
Phosphorus	324 mg
Chromium	12.5 mcg
Zinc	920 mcg

Why is pearl barley useful?

1. Barley contains amino acids. A large amount of lysine is involved in the formation of collagen.
2. Fiber-rich cereals are superior to even wheat grains. The amount of protein in barley is much higher than in wheat.
3. Pearl barley strengthens the nervous system, bones and teeth, is a powerful antioxidant. It contains a lot of selenium, 3 times more than rice cereal.
4. The product also has natural antibacterial properties. If you use the water left over after soaking the barley, it will get rid of the fungus, since it contains the antibiotic hordecin.
5. The broth of the product has medicinal properties. It softens, envelops, has an antispasmodic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory effect.
6. In ancient times, barley was used to treat mammary glands, lingering coughs, colds, for weight loss, and constipation.
7. For dieters, it is good to prepare slimy soups that have gentle qualities.
8. The broth is used for liver diseases, increases the amount of milk in nursing mothers, cleanses the blood, has a strengthening effect, and is an expectorant.
9. The infusion of malt does not allow tumors to grow at the onset of the disease, normalizes metabolism, therefore it is recommended to use it for overweight people. As a medicine, grains and flour from previously sprouted barley are used.
10. Due to the presence of fiber, food from barley is quickly digested, so there is no overload of the body and micro-, macroelements and vitamins are perfectly absorbed.

You can find out about the calorie content of barley per 100 grams on our website

Look for the recipe for pearl barley and other cereals for weight loss in this article.

And we will tell you about the benefits and harms of semolina porridge here

For adult women and men

Thanks to lysine and antioxidants, the skin remains youthful and elastic, prolonging the beauty and youthfulness of women.With the systematic use of the product, hair becomes strong, shiny and healthy. Bones, teeth and nails are strengthened. In the finished form, the calorie content of pearl barley is reduced, so it is considered suitable for dietary nutrition.

Barley dishes are also good for men. They are a source of muscle building and an excellent energy boost. The dishes are very satisfying and the porridge will keep you full for long hours.

For children

The digestive system of young children practically cannot digest pearl barley porridge, therefore, experts do not recommend introducing dishes into the diet until the age of 3 years.

Feeding with porridge begins with small portions (1-2 l) to check tolerance. With good assimilation of the dish by the child's body, the portions increase. The child needs to boil cups and soups well, the best option would be to cook in a multicooker.

Barley for weight loss

The product is ideal for diet food. It is low in calories and contains almost all vitamins and many beneficial ingredients.

During the diet, the body does not lack vitamins and essential nutrients. The feeling of hunger does not appear for a long time, since the product is satisfying.

Fasting day

Before starting a diet, it is better to spend a fasting day. The diet dish is prepared in water; salt and oil must not be put. Brews for 1 hour. Eat as hunger appears, preferably 3-4 times. In this case, the portions should be smaller than the standard ones. Groats have a slightly dehydrating effect, so you need to consume up to 3 liters of liquid in the form of water and green tea per day. Before going to bed, you can drink 1 glass of 1 percent kefir.

Six Day Diet

This diet is phenomenal. 1 kg of weight is lost in 1 day. In 2 days, the body is cleansed of toxins, on the 3rd day, body weight begins to decrease.

A unique diet allows you to get rid of 5 kg of weight in 5 days and normalize the digestive tract. During the diet, there is no malaise, hunger and weakness. During the period of dietary nutrition, the skin will rejuvenate, the body will get rid of toxins and toxins.

You can use a mono-diet, but since it is difficult, it is better to diversify the menu with other products:

• raw or boiled vegetables;
• cottage cheese;
• low-fat cheese;
• fermented milk products, low-fat;
• dried fruits;
• fruits in which sugar is contained in small amounts;
• nuts;
• seafood.

To achieve a greater effect, it is recommended to use 2 tsp. Flaxseed. It is also useful to drink water, herbal decoctions, prune infusion.

Culinary recipes

Many delicious and healthy dishes can be prepared from pearl groats. Cooking takes a lot of time. For this reason, it is recommended to soak the cereals in hot water for about 10 hours, preferably overnight. Then the water is drained, the cereals are washed.

For cooking the product, a large pan is used, since the pearl barley greatly increases in volume.

Porridge in a slow cooker

Delicious porridge is prepared in a slow cooker very simply. The dish includes:

• groats - 200 g;
• milk - 1 l;
• sugar - 30 g

Salt and plum are added depending on the taste. oil.

Ukha with pearl barley

It is prepared in fish broth with the addition of vegetables and seasonings. For cooking, the following ingredients are taken:

• fish - 500 g;
• onions - 50 g;
• potatoes - 500 g;
• carrots - 100 g;
• groats - 100 g;
• bay leaf - 2-3 pcs.

Onion husks, seasonings, pepper, salt are added to taste.

Rassolnik

This delicious soup is best cooked in beef or veal broth. The following products should be placed in the pickle:

• meat products - 300-400 g;
• groats - 200 g;
• turnip onions - 50 g;
• carrots - 50 g;
• pickled cucumbers - 3 pcs.;
• potatoes - 300 g;
• rast. oil - 4 tbsp. l .;
• water - 2.5 liters.

Use salt and seasonings to taste. Add sour cream before serving.

Grtskov's soup

Hearty soup originally from the Czech Republic. The original taste is obtained through a combination of unusual components:

• beans - 50 g;
• peas - 50 g;
• barley groats - 60 g;
• carrots - 1 pc.;
• turnip onions - 1 pc.;
• flour - 1 tbsp. l .;
• lard - 1 tbsp. l.

Salt is added to taste.

Hearty meat salad

Unusual salad made from boiled pearl barley. Delicious and nutritious.

• boiled and washed cereals - 100 g;
• boiled meat - 250 g;
• pickled or pickled cucumber - 1 pc .;
• carrots - 100 g;
• garlic - 2 teeth.

Add the required amount of salt and mayonnaise to taste.

To your attention - a video recipe for winter barley and vegetables:

You should not abuse pearl barley for people who suffer from constipation and have an individual intolerance to the substances that make up the product.

Affordable inexpensive pearl barley is a real storehouse of nutrients. The product will help improve health, restore strength and restore youth.

What else to read:

Navigation through the article:

• The history of the appearance of pearl barley
• About pearl barley
• Selection of pearl barley
• The benefits of pearl barley
• Pearl barley harm
• Cooking pearl barley
• Cooking recipes
• Chemical composition

The history of the appearance of pearl barley

Pearl barley is one of the oldest grain crops, which was cultivated by man more than 10 thousand years ago. The name of the groats - "pearl barley" for porridge comes from the old Russian word "pearls", which means - river pearls. Pearl barley received such a comparison due to the external similarity of polished pearl barley grains with pearls.

About pearl barley

Pearl barley is made from the family of cereals - barley, from which the top layer (bran) is removed during processing, and then grinded and polished. Most often, porridge is cooked from barley.

There are several types of pearl barley:

• ordinary barley - whole barley groats, from which the shell has just been removed. As a result of minimal mechanical processing, it retains most of the lip fibers that are beneficial to the body.
• "Dutch" - whole grain, rolled up to a ball, completely freed from awn. It cooks quickly, porridge is obtained from it with a more delicate consistency than from barley.
• barley grits - in fact, this is an ordinary barley, only chopped.

Selection of pearl barley

The choice of pearl barley should be based on its color. A quality product can be white, yellowish, even tinged with green. The presence of any impurities in the package is excluded. If there are any, the manufacturer does not monitor the quality of the cereal.

It is better to buy pearl barley in cardboard boxes. This is how it differs from most cereals, for which cellophane sealed bags are preferable. The fact is that during storage, the cores give up the moisture contained in them. Condensation forms in cellophane, which is an ideal environment for the development of microorganisms. If you notice droplets of moisture inside the package, it is categorically impossible to buy such a product, they can be poisoned. Plus, it can taste rancid. In a cardboard box, pearl barley can be stored for 6-12 months. When opening the package, the cereal should be sniffed. The presence of a musty smell or its complete absence indicates that the product is old.

At home, barley should be stored in a ventilated container. This can be a jar with a loose lid or a cardboard box. Place it in a dark place.

The benefits of pearl barley

Pearl barley contains a large amount of trace elements (iodine, nickel, zinc, bromine, calcium, strontium, cobalt, molybdenum, manganese, copper, iron and chromium) and essential vitamins (B, PP, K, E, D, A), as well as rich in fiber, which contributes to normal bowel function.

The main useful qualities of pearl barley porridge:

• lysine is a part of pearl barley. It is an amino acid that takes part in the production of hormones, antibodies and digestive enzymes. Lysine is rarely found in foods, but getting it from food is extremely important, since the amino acid is essential, that is, it is not produced in our body. Good suppliers are red meat and soybeans. But in the greatest volume it is contained precisely in cheap pearl barley.
• pearl barley contains a lot of phosphorus.Another valuable trace element, the presence of which in the diet depends on the rate of calcium absorption. Moreover, there is a lot of phosphorus in cereals - up to 350 mg per 100 gamma of the product. The record holder is considered to be cereals in terms of the content of potassium, which is necessary for the health of the heart and blood vessels.
• pearl barley contains B vitamins. They are necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system. For this reason, the use of cereals is recommended for people experiencing significant nervous tension. And regular consumption of barley in food has an anti-stress effect.
• the barley contains 77% carbohydrates. However, the calorie content of pearl barley porridge is low. This is due to the fact that its carbohydrates are absorbed for a long time, over several hours. Long-term satiety and a low glycemic index become the basis for consuming the product in a healthy diet. Groats are recommended for overweight people due to their satiety, patients with diabetes mellitus, since it does not cause a "surge" in blood sugar when ingested.
• pearl barley contains more fiber than even wheat, due to which it removes intestinal toxins from the body, adsorbs toxins formed during the life of the conditionally pathogenic intestinal microflora. Even allergies can be cured with barley. Barley grain contains a natural antibacterial agent - hordecin, this substance is actively used for flexible skin infections.

Pearl barley harm

Barley is contraindicated in celiac disease (celiac disease). With this disease, an allergy to the protein of barley (and some other cereals) - gluten (gliadin) is manifested. In this disease, the consumption of gluten porridges (wheat, rye, barley, oats) leads to the death of intestinal villi and impaired absorption of nutrients.

You can not include barley porridge in the diet of children under 1 year old. It can cause indigestion, and if you have a tendency to celiac disease (it is formed genetically), it can cause slow absorption of nutrients in the intestines.

Cooking pearl barley

In order for pearl barley porridge to show the maximum useful properties and to please with its rich taste, it must be cooked and consumed correctly.

Several recommendations for the preparation of pearl barley:

• kernels must be soaked in water. The holding time is 12 hours, during this period the grains will swell and cook faster. If you boil them without soaking, the protein they contain will curdle and the pearl barley will become tough.
• the best way to cook is in a water bath. According to this recipe, porridge was cooked in Russia. Soaked kernels should be poured with milk (2 liters per glass of dry grain), boiled and put in a water bath to simmer for 6 hours.
• the usual cooking time for barley is 50 minutes. Some varieties are boiled for an hour and a half, and barley from bags pre-treated with steam takes about 45 minutes.
• 2 glasses of water are taken into a glass of cereal, if necessary, the liquid is added. The foam must be removed by hand with a spoon or slotted spoon, and the cereal itself must be rinsed before boiling. Ready-cooked barley can be used as a base for pilaf, or as an independent side dish.

Pearl barley recipes

Pilaf with pearl barley

Ingredients:

• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 each - carrots, onions, bell peppers
• 1 tablespoon unrefined sunflower oil
• 400 g chicken hooters

Cooking method:

Cut the breast into strips, steam the cereals in a double boiler for 20 minutes or soak overnight. Cut the vegetables as you like, pour the oil into the multicooker bowl, lower the vegetables and fry, stirring occasionally. Add cereals, chicken, and pour 1 glass of chicken broth and 1 glass of water or just water. Cook for about 1.5 hours, simmering.

Barley porridge with bends and onions

Ingredients:

• 1 glass of pearl barley
• 500 g fresh champignons
• 1 white onion
• silent celery, dill, parsnips, cumin, turmeric
• salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2.5 cups goblet or celery root broth

Cooking method:

Put the multicooker in the frying mode and quickly fry on both sides, stirring, pre-chopped vegetables and bends. Add a glass of pearl barley, broth and simmer for about 1.5 hours.

Barley porridge with milk

Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups skim or almond milk
• 1 cup pre-steamed pearl barley
• cinnamon
• sugar and salt to taste

Cooking method:

Put the steamed cereals into the multicooker bowl and pour over the milk. Cook strictly on simmer, 50 minutes or longer. Usually milk porridge is made "shorter", for this the pre-steaming period is increased to 40 minutes.

Pearl barley broth

A decoction of pearl barley is used in the presence of inflammatory processes in the stomach, it is especially recommended in the postoperative period after surgery in the abdominal cavity. The broth can be prepared both in water and in milk.

Decoction recipe:

• 250 g of pearl barley pour 1.5 liters of hot liquid (water, milk), you can add a little salt or sugar to taste. Bring to a boil and cook for about 20 minutes. The resulting broth does not need to be filtered, it will be the consistency of liquid sour cream.
• Take 100-200 g at a time, 3 times a day.
• Store no more than a day.

You can even use water in which pearl barley was soaked, because the hordecin remains in it. This substance has antibiotic properties. Water can be used in the complex treatment of fungal skin diseases.

The chemical composition of pearl barley

Nutritional value in 100 gamuts of pearl barley:

Calorie content:

• Proteins - 9.91 g
• Fat - 1.16 g
• Carbohydrates - 77.72 g
• Dietary fiber - 15.6 g
• Ash - 1.11 g
• Water - 10.09 g

Energy value in 100 scales of pearl barley: 352 kcal

Vitamins

• Beta-carotene - 0.013 mg
• Vitamin A (RE) - 1 μg
• Vitamin B1 (thiamine) - 0.191 mg
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) - 0.114 mg
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic) - 0.282 mg
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) - 0.26 mg
• Vitamin B9 (folate) - 23 mcg
• Vitamin E (TE) - 0.02 mg
• Vitamin K (phylloquinone) - 2.2 mcg
• Vitamin PP (Niacin Equivalent) - 4.604 mg
• Choline - 37.8 mg

Macronutrients

• Calcium - 29 mg
• Magnesium - 79 mg
• Sodium - 9 mg
• Potassium - 280 mg
• Phosphorus - 221 mg

Trace elements

• Iron - 2.5 mg
• Zinc - 2.13 mg
• Copper - 420 mcg
• Manganese - 1,322 mg
• Selenium - 37.7 mcg

Pearl barley appears on the tables relatively often, but in our region it is one of the most popular cereals. Not many people like such porridge to taste, especially it is not to the taste of men, since during their military service they tasted it in full. Nevertheless, porridge deserves its place on the list of diet and health food.

Chemical composition

Nutritional value is calculated for one hundred grams of dry pearl barley in grams:

Kcal	Protein	Fats	Carbohydrates	Fibers	Water
315	9,1	1,3	66,8	7,9	14

Vitamin composition per one hundred grams of dry pearl barley, in mg:

IN 1	AT 2	AT 5	AT 6	AT 9	E	PP
0,11	0,05	0,6	0,35	0,0024	1,3	3,7

Macronutrient composition per hundred grams of cereals, in mg:

K	Ca	Mg	Na	S	P
171	37	41	11	76	331

Trace element composition per hundred grams of cereals, in μg:

Fe	Co	Mn	Cu	Mo	Ni	Ti	F	Cr	Zn
1800	1,8	650	280	12,7	20	16,7	61	12,5	0,91

One hundred grams of pearl barley contains 65 g of starch and dextrins, as well as essential amino acids: arginine, leucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, methionine, etc.

Beneficial features

Pearl barley belongs to the family of cereals. Like all cereals, it is high in fiber, which cleanses the intestines from toxins, normalizes stool and helps fight obesity and constipation.

A decoction of cereals is prepared for patients with a problem stomach, inflammation, as well as during the rehabilitation period after surgery on the stomach and intestines. It has a mild cleansing and enveloping properties, it will be useful for patients with gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, dysbiosis, etc.

The broth can be prepared on a water or milk basis. To do this, pour a glass of pearl barley with 1.5 liters of hot water (milk), add sugar or salt if desired. Then cook for up to twenty minutes over low heat. You do not need to filter the resulting mixture, it will have the consistency of liquid semolina. Take 150 g before meals three times a day.

The content of the polysaccharide glucan-B endows barley with the ability to cleanse blood vessels from cholesterol, and with constant use, it significantly improves the productivity of the treatment of cholesterol plaques.

The presence of a rich vitamin complex affects the correct and healthy functioning of the heart, vascular system, strengthens the immune response. In addition, pearl barley contains a sufficient amount of silicic acid. It is useful for patients with kidney stones, as it actively dissolves such formations, sand and toxins.

The lysine contained in barley porridge has a beneficial effect on the heart muscle, especially if there are any diseases. Lysine is also beneficial for hair growth and skin regeneration, improving vision and preventing diseases of internal organs.

The amount of lysine in pearl barley is sufficient to provide the body with adequate prevention of inflammatory diseases of internal organs.

Harm and contraindications

• Barley porridge contains a fairly large amount of gluten. For this reason, people with individual intolerance, pregnant women, prone to gas formation and patients with irritable stomach syndrome, it is better not to use such a side dish in the diet.
• As for pregnant women, porridge does not harm the health of the unborn baby in any way, but a pregnant woman can get an intestinal disorder due to changes in the body. Children are given barley only after they reach the age of three.
• With excessive use, both in adults and in children, a violation of the digestive processes develops, the mode and consistency of the stool changes.

How to choose the right cereal?

Groats can be sold packaged or by weight. The main requirement is a golden brown color, without impurities, inclusions and wormholes.

Pearl barley got its name in Russia from the word "pearl" - beautiful mother-of-pearl. This is the ideal color for pearl barley, grown and processed correctly.

The grains glued together also indicate the poor quality of the cereal. This happens when it is stored in improper conditions with a disturbed temperature regime, high humidity.

When buying cereals by weight, pay attention to the smell - it should not contain bitter, harsh notes. You can store barley for a year, observing all storage rules, after which the cereal is no longer suitable for consumption.

There is also canned pearl barley. Even despite preservation and processing, the beneficial properties of the porridge remain, so you should pay attention only to the fact that there are as few impurities and preservatives as possible, and the jar itself is intact and not wrinkled.

Fast food rules

Traditionally, the ratio of cereals and water is 1: 5. The groats are washed, filled with half of the prepared liquid and boiled for about 5 minutes. Then the porridge is thrown into a colander, and the remaining water is boiled in a saucepan to boil the porridge again. At this stage, salt is added and boiled for about an hour.

It goes well with meat dishes and fresh vegetables. The first courses on meat broths with pearl barley are delicious.

Barley broths stabilize the stomach and intestines. Such decoctions are especially useful for sparing and healing diets. For problems with lactation, pearl barley broth will also be useful. It has a beneficial effect on the early stages of cancer, as it slows down the growth and synthesis of cells.

Treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders also includes taking barley porridge and broths. They are cooked without the addition of oil and salt, but fresh vegetables or fruits are added to the fun as a dessert. To improve metabolism, pearl barley broth is taken in the morning on an empty stomach and breakfast after an hour and a half.