What are Barley Flakes?
Barley flakes are made from the cereal grain, pearl barley. Barley is quite similar to wheat and is actually a member of the grass family. Barley flakes are made by removing the outer hull and then steaming and rolling the remainder of the harvested plant. Organic barley flakes are made precisely the same way from organically grown pearl barley.
Barley flakes are small and round in appearance and look similar to rolled oats. They have a vague nutty flavour and while not a whole grain, as they have been hulled, they still retain some of the benefits of barley. Barley flakes’ nutrition value is reduced compared to whole grain barley but the flakes will still contain some protein, thiamine, iron riboflavin and other important minerals. Barley is considered to be a valuable nutrition source, however, as flakes have been hulled, some of that nutritional value is lost.
Barley flakes health benefits largely revolve around them being a high fibre source. Fibre is considered to be beneficial in assisting regular and full bowel movements as well as potentially absorbing some potential nasties such as cholesterol.
Are barley flakes gluten free?
Unfortunately barley is a whole grain food that contains between 7 and 8 % gluten. Even after having the hull removed, barley flakes are likely to contain traces of gluten and as such should not be consumed by people suffering from celiac disease.
How to cook barley flakes?
Cooking barley flakes in their simple form is done in much the same way as cooking oats. Prior to cooking the flakes, it is a good idea to give them a rinse to ensure that they are cleaned and fit for consumption.
Using a conventional stove top and one cup of barley flakes, you should add three cups of water to a saucepan and then bring the water to boil, then add the cup of barley flakes, reduce the heat and allow to simmer for between five and ten minutes. Then remove from heat and allow to cool for about two minutes before serving with milk and honey.
Using a microwave the process is somewhat similar - combine half a bowl of water with 1 cup of barley flakes, stir then microwave on high for between three and five minutes. Remove the bowl from the microwave and let the flakes stand for two minutes. Then serve.
How to cook flaked barley?
As per above. Flaked barley can also be added to other ingredients in a variety of recipes and even used as a pasta or starch substitute in some stews and soups.
Where to buy barley flakes?
If you’re looking for organic barley flakes, then Buy Organics Online is the place for you. All our grain products have been sourced from trusted organic suppliers. If you are looking to increase your fibre intake buy barley flakes here today.