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Pearled Barley
Grains
Nutri-ScoreA

Pearled Barley

Hordeum vulgare

Clinical Encyclopedia

SM
Nutri-Score & Health Summary

Pearled Barley provides 352 kcal, 12.5g of protein, 73.5g of carbohydrates, and 17.3g of fiber per 100g. With a Nutri-Score grade 'A', it is a highly recommended option for nutrient density.

Pearled barley is a whole grain that has been polished to remove the outer bran layer, resulting in a chewy texture and nutty flavor. It is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to various dishes.

Also known as:
BarleyHulled Barley
Scientific NameHordeum vulgare
Region of OriginMiddle East

Macronutrient Ratio

Caloric distribution of primary energy metrics per 100g

Calories352 kcal
Water
13.5%
Fiber17.3g
Total87.2g
Protein
12.5g(14%)
Fats
1.2g(1%)
Carbohydrates
73.5g(84%)

Micronutrient DV% Score

Top vitamins and minerals ranked by percentage of Daily Recommended Value

Vitamins (DV%)
Minerals (DV%)

Complete Micronutrient Breakdown

Detailed concentration of essential micronutrients per 100g serving.

Vitamins

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Vitamin b1 (thiamine)0.08 mg (7%)
Vitamin b3 (niacin)4.6 mg (29%)
Vitamins with less than 2% DVNone registered

Minerals

Major Source (≥ 2% DV)
Magnesium33 mg (8%)
Phosphorus89 mg (9%)
Minerals with less than 2% DVNone registered

Health Benefits

Rich in dietary fiber, pearled barley aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
Contains essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and magnesium, which support energy metabolism and overall health.
Low glycemic index makes it a suitable option for blood sugar management, helping to stabilize glucose levels.
May contribute to heart health by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Possible Risks & Side Effects

!Individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease should avoid barley as it contains gluten.
!Excessive consumption may lead to digestive discomfort due to its high fiber content.

How to Prepare & Consume

Rinse pearled barley under cold water before cooking. It can be boiled, simmered, or added to soups and stews. Cooking time typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes.

Smart Selection & Storage

How to Select

Choose pearled barley that is free from moisture and has a uniform color. Avoid any grains with signs of mold or insect damage.

How to Store

Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Cooked barley can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.

Myths vs Realities

MythBarley is only for animal feed.
RealityBarley is a nutritious grain that has been consumed by humans for thousands of years and is used in various culinary applications.
MythPearled barley is less nutritious than hulled barley.
RealityWhile pearled barley has less fiber than hulled barley due to the removal of the bran, it still retains significant nutritional benefits.
MythEating barley will make you gain weight.
RealityIn moderation, barley can be part of a healthy diet and may actually aid in weight management due to its high fiber content.

Healthy Recipes

Mediterranean Pearled Barley Salad

A refreshing salad packed with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, combining pearled barley with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon dressing.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup pearled barley
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Rinse the pearled barley under cold water, then combine it with water in a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until tender.
  2. 2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked barley, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
  3. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss to combine.

Barley and Vegetable Stir-Fry

A quick and nutritious stir-fry featuring pearled barley and a colorful mix of seasonal vegetables, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked pearled barley
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • Green onions for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing for 1 minute.
  2. 2. Add bell pepper, broccoli, and carrot, cooking until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. 3. Stir in the cooked barley and soy sauce, mixing well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes and garnish with green onions before serving.

Pearled Barley Risotto with Mushrooms

A creamy and hearty risotto made with pearled barley and earthy mushrooms, offering a wholesome twist on a classic Italian dish.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup pearled barley
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
  1. 1. In a saucepan, heat vegetable broth and keep it warm over low heat.
  2. 2. In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add mushrooms and cook until soft.
  3. 3. Stir in the pearled barley, then gradually add warm broth, one ladle at a time, stirring frequently until the barley is creamy and al dente. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, and garnish with parsley.

Spiced Pearled Barley and Chickpea Bowl

A nourishing bowl filled with spiced pearled barley, chickpeas, and roasted vegetables, drizzled with a tahini dressing for added flavor.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup pearled barley
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Cook pearled barley in water according to package instructions. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. 2. Toss zucchini and bell pepper with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until tender.
  3. 3. In a bowl, combine cooked barley, chickpeas, and roasted vegetables. Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and water to thin, then drizzle over the bowl before serving.

Pearled Barley Breakfast Porridge

A wholesome breakfast porridge made with pearled barley, topped with fresh fruits and nuts, providing a hearty start to your day.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup pearled barley
  • 3 cups almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 banana, sliced
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
  • Fresh berries for topping
Instructions
  1. 1. In a saucepan, combine pearled barley, almond milk, honey, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes until creamy.
  2. 2. Serve the porridge in bowls, topped with sliced banana, walnuts, and fresh berries.
  3. 3. Drizzle with additional honey or maple syrup if desired.

Pearled Barley and Lentil Soup

A hearty and nutritious soup combining pearled barley and lentils, enriched with vegetables and spices for a comforting meal.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup pearled barley
  • 1 cup lentils, rinsed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large pot, sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
  2. 2. Add pearled barley, lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes until barley and lentils are tender.
  3. 3. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.

Pearled Barley and Spinach Stuffed Peppers

Colorful bell peppers stuffed with a savory mixture of pearled barley, spinach, and spices, baked to perfection for a healthy meal.

Ingredients
  • 4 bell peppers, halved and seeded
  • 1 cup cooked pearled barley
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a bowl, mix cooked barley, spinach, ricotta, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Stuff each bell pepper half with the barley mixture and place in a baking dish.
  3. 3. Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes until peppers are tender.

Pearled Barley Tabbouleh

A healthy twist on the classic tabbouleh, using pearled barley instead of bulgur for a nutty flavor and chewy texture.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked pearled barley
  • 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup mint, finely chopped
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
  1. 1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pearled barley, parsley, mint, tomato, and cucumber.
  2. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Pour the dressing over the barley mixture and toss to combine. Chill before serving.

Barley and Sweet Potato Cakes

Crispy and flavorful cakes made from pearled barley and sweet potatoes, perfect as a healthy snack or appetizer.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked pearled barley
  • 1 cup sweet potato, mashed
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for frying
Instructions
  1. 1. In a bowl, combine cooked barley, mashed sweet potato, green onions, cumin, paprika, egg, salt, and pepper.
  2. 2. Form the mixture into small patties.
  3. 3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the patties until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is pearled barley?

Pearled barley is a type of barley grain that has had its outer husk and bran layers removed, resulting in a softer texture and quicker cooking time.

How do I cook pearled barley?

To cook pearled barley, combine 1 cup of barley with 3 cups of water or broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes until tender.

Is pearled barley gluten-free?

No, pearled barley contains gluten and is not suitable for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

What are the health benefits of pearled barley?

Pearled barley is high in fiber, which aids digestion, helps control blood sugar levels, and may lower cholesterol.

Can I use pearled barley in salads?

Yes, cooked pearled barley can be added to salads for a nutritious boost and chewy texture.

How should I store pearled barley?

Store uncooked pearled barley in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. Cooked barley should be refrigerated and consumed within 3-5 days.

Is pearled barley a good source of protein?

Yes, pearled barley contains about 12.5 grams of protein per 100 grams, making it a good plant-based protein source.

Can I substitute pearled barley for rice?

Yes, pearled barley can be used as a substitute for rice in many recipes, providing a different texture and flavor.