What is Black Barley you ask? It is a delicious nutty textured supergrain that is sold hulled to reveal a glossy black husk. The grain inside is white. It is also known as Purple Hull-less Barley, originally from Ethiopia.
The variety has not been grown extensively until recently because of the low yield, but a farmer in Montana decided to take a risk. This is actually the only grain that can go from field to table without being processed, because the gloom or bran layer stays attached to the kernel and is edible. Yum!
Suggested Use
The shape of this delicious grain looks like a coffee bean. It cooks into a glossy purplish-mahogany color.
You can put it in soups and stuffings. Or eat it alone as a fantastic alternative to rice. It has slightly chewy texture so it is ideally mixed with other super grains when served as a rice replacement.
Cooking Instructions
1) In a pot combine 1 cup black barley and 3.5 cups of water.
2) Simmer for 1.25 hours.
3) Eat in salads or other dishes that require a nutty texture.
Varieties
Black Barley can also refer to barley that is used to brew beer-like beverages such as like stouts and porters. It is an unmalted barley that is roasted with very high heat until it becomes a very dark brown color. It also gets some of the bitter flavor required for brewing.
Nutrition
Swedes believe that Black Barley can be used as a remedy for hangovers.
History
Black Barley is often sold as Ethiopian black barley but it is more likely to be found in North America as a variety originally from Russia. It was first planted in America in December 1911.
Healthy Benefits
Barley may be one of the oldest grains on the planet. It was first used by the Egyptians 10,000 years ago. Later it was brought to America by Christopher Columbus in 1494. Since its arrival, barley has not enjoyed the same popularity as wheat or oats in the USA. Bu this may soon change as we discover more about this delicious grain. It is rich in phytochemicals, fiber, and minerals and it wards off all kinds of diseases. Comsuming it might bring benefits such as balanced blood sugar levels and protection against cardiovascular disease and even the big C: cancer.
Bottom line:
It may provide blood glucose stabilization, cardiovascular protection, and cancer prevention.
Where to buy black barley?
Black barley is available from Culinary Hipster in a variety of sizes. Or get it in a supergrains super sampler pack.
