Ok after a break for a couple of days we are back to grains, we have two more that we are going to discuss. Today we will talk about Barley. Ok so how many of you know what it is and how you can use it?
What Really is Barley?
Well, Barley is a major cereal grain and a member of the grass family. It looks a lot like wheat berries, and has a rich nutty flavor, barley has a pasta like consistency. Barley is a widely adaptable crop, and comes in different varieties such as; pearled (which is not considered whole grain , flour and flakes. It grows in temperate areas as a summer crop and tropical areas where it is sown as a winter crop. Barley grows under cool conditions, but is not particularly a winter hardy crop.
Barley is an excellent food choice for those concerned about diabetes because the grain contains essential vitamins and minerals and is an excellent source of dietary fiber. Barley contains 3.5 grams of protein per 1 cup cooked.
Uses for Barley
Well many people know that barley is used in the making of certain beers. It is also used in other alcohol beverages.
Barley is also used as animal feed, for common live stock such as pigs, chickens, cattle, goats, etc.
Barley has been gaining ground as a component of various health foods.
Barley can be used in soups and stews.
You can use barley like rice for most recipes.
Storage
It is recommended that you store Pearled Barley as it will keep longer and it does not have the oils in it that make the grain go rancid. Barley that is not pearled will keep up to 1 year if stored properly in a cool dark air tight container.
Pearled Barley can be stored up to 8 years unopened. Once you open it make sure you use it up with in a 12-18 month period.
So we have now covered a variety of grains such as Oats, Rice, Cornmeal, wheat, etc. What do you think? Are you ready to start grinding grains into flour? Well don’t forget your grinder and Shelf Reliance has their wheat grinder is on sale this month so it is a great time to get one for your home storage. Remember your buckets for buying in bulk. For how much you should store click here.
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