The History of Barley

The History of Barley

The poor mans food known as barley was very popular in the 10,000 BC. It was first farm grown in West Asia where it allowed people to not have to pick it wild anymore. Barley is used in many different ways (beer, soups, porridge and breads) the stem of the barley was used to make different products as (shoes, baskets and beds). With the climate change Barley was easier to grow than wheat since it didn't need as much rain as wheat. This is the reason that the poor ate more barley and the wealthy ate more wheat.

Barley comes in a lot of different types and there are different ways that it is produced. Usually there are two different types of ways that you can buy barley. Hulled barley is probably the best since it has more nutrition than any other. Pearl Barley though is a lot easier to eat; it is not as chewy and is more popular in soups and side dishes. Barley can be sliced and cooked as a hot cereal. It is the same thing as rolled oats and grains. Barley is also served as a cold cereal.

For the United States barley is the fourth major crop. The majority of the barley is used to feed live stock since barley is the same nutrition as corn. A good quarter of the barley produced in the United States is used for malting. The majority of this malted barley it is used in the production of beer. We also use the malting to make syrups and breakfast foods. Since barely can grow just about everywhere and in many conditions it can also be pasteurized in winter. In certain areas barley can be grown as a hay crop.

With the many things that barley is used for the nutritional value of barley is fairly high. It contains a high amount of fiber and is also has a lot of vitamins in it. It helps to fight type 2 diabetes and has a lot of antioxidants to help cleanse your body. Not all barleys are considered grains, only specific types are. With the fiber and low fat content and that the barley is without cholesterol. It is a very good ingredient for people that are trying to have a heart healthy meal. This is the reason that they use barley in a lot of assisted living homes it is a good way for get everyone to get there nutrition's.

There are many different uses for this grain. From making drinks, food, shoes and baskets this poor mans grass was very versatile. It was easy for them to grow and it was grown in many different types of environments. There are many different types of barley and grown in different places around the world. Barley is one of the most used ingredients in the world and is very useful to everyone. This is ingredient that will used for many years and you can use for just about anything.

http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/food/barley.htm

http://www.hort.puurdue.edu/newcrop/Crops/Barley.html