While this cereal grain is not as widely used in the United States, it is widely cultivated all around the world and is a staple food of those in Tibet. It is widely used as a feed for animals and in America, is probably best known for its use in the brewing of beer and other distilled drinks. Some soups and stews use it as ingredients as well. Being rich in Vitamins B and E, as well as dietary fiber and minerals like selenium, magnesium, iron, zinc and potassium, it can bring with it a trove of health benefits.
What is Barley Water?
One of the easiest ways to benefit from this amazing grain is through the consumption of barley water. While this beverage is better known in Europe, it is also catching on here in America. Quite simply, barley water is made by boiling the barley in water (as you would to make a tea) then straining out the contents and drinking the remaining liquid. You can also opt for raw barley water as a beverage simply by letting it stand in a glass of water for 24 hours, then removing the barley and drinking off the water. If you prefer the heated method, follow the directions below.
Basic Recipe for Barley Water
- 1 cup pearl barley (preferable organic)
- 5 cups water
- ½-1 lemon’s worth of juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Dash of cinnamon and ginger
Boil the barley in the water, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes (you can simmer it longer if you want a stronger brew). Strain out the barley, leaving just the liquid behind. Let it cool. Add the lemon juice, honey and spices, keeping in mind that these last few ingredients are optional and can be altered according to taste. It is now ready to drink.
Variations
There are several variations you can try to make the barley water more interesting. They include the following:
- Boil the barley with a cinnamon stick, a garlic clove and/or chopped whole ginger root for a stronger taste Drink it hot or cold, according to preference.
- Only add the honey or lemon after the water has cooled, or you will be left with a bitter taste.
- If you would like to experiment with different flavors of barley water, try adding mint leaves, orange or lime juice or other herbal extracts according to your taste.
As you can see, this barley water is simple to make and has been used in Europe for centuries to promote good digestion, but also for the many health benefits this nutrient-rich grass can bring. If it gets boring, experiment with it and see which herbs and juices taste good to you! Whatever you add to it, you will definitely be impacting your body in a very positive way.
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