Ingredient of the week: Barley
Food
By
Ann Veronicah
| Jun 13, 2024
Cereals are identified with ancient history. Barley is on this list, with a rich history connected to the original cultivators, Sumerians and Egyptians.
According to the Oxford Languages dictionary, barley is a “hardy cereal with coarse bristles extending from the ears, cultivated especially for use in brewing and stock feed”.
The seeds have a nutty flavour and a chewy texture. They are divided into two main varieties: two-row barley and six-row barley.
The market sells barley as hulled, pearled, flakes, or flour. The difference between the hulled and pearled is that the hulled retains its bran and germ layers while the pearled has been polished to remove the bran layer.
Barley has several nutrients including fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It is an excellent dietary fibre source, including soluble and insoluble fibre, which promotes digestive health and may help lower cholesterol levels.
READ MORE
Why Kenya-Germany jobs deal is double-edged sword for workers
Kenya's nuclear electricity plan faces cost, environment hurdles
Safaricom consortium gets Sh104b contract for digital health system
Regulation of fintech needs to promote stability, innovation
Experts call on farmers to grow drought resilient crops
Regulation of fintech must promote stability and innovation
Ongoing labour unrests are early signs of an economy that's about to collapse
Trailers and weighbridges: The untold story
The brewery industry highly depends on barley to make alcoholic beverages like beer and whiskey. Other than that, barley is a staple ingredient in soups and stews adding a nutty flavour.
- DP Gachagua: This is my seat, I'm not leaving
- Miss Universe Kenya winner to receive Sh1million and apartment
- 'Baddie' and other maandamano lingo
- Content creators challenge KFCB licensing directive
- Windfall for coffee farmers as State disburses Sh4 billion