Pearl barley refers to barley grains, an important cereal grain, that has been processed to remove certain parts of each grain. All barley usually has the hull removed, since the hull is inedible. Pearl barley gets additional treatment by having most of the bran removed too. 

Pearl barley refers to covered barley that has been processed to a greater degree than hulled barley. Because pearl barley undergoes more processing, some insoluble fiber, trace minerals and micronutrients may be lost. Pearl barley is not considered whole grain. However it’s important to note that pearl barley (even heavily pearled barley) retains significant amounts of fiber, particularly heart-healthy soluble fiber. This is because, unlike some other grains, barley contains fiber throughout the entire kernel and not just in the outer bran layer. Even though pearl barley is not considered whole grain, it offers many important nutrients necessary for a healthful diet including heart-healthy soluble fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Common Names
Pearl barley (hulled grain) Groats
Job's Tears
Ta-mai

Botanical Name
Hordeum vulgare

Medicinal Properties
Demulcent, digestant, carminative, nutritive

As cereal grains go, barley is a winner when it comes to good nutrition.  This centuries-old grain is packed with fiber, contains important vitamins and minerals, is slim on fat, and, like all plant products, cholesterol-free.  Here’s a closer look:

Fiber
Barley is a great source of dietary fiber and actually contains both soluble and insoluble fiber.  Soluble fiber is effective in lowering blood cholesterol and can reduce the risk of heart disease.  Soluble fiber is also beneficial in slowing the absorption of sugar and reducing the risk for developing type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes.  The insoluble fiber found in barley may be beneficial in helping the body maintain regular bowel function.  Insoluble fiber may also help lower the risk for certain cancers such as colon cancer.

Cholesterol and fat
Like all plant foods, barley is naturally cholesterol-free and low in fat.  A 1/2 cup serving of cooked pearl barley, a typical grain serving, contains less than 1/2 gram of fat and only 100 calories*
*Source: USDA Nutrient Database for Standard Reference 13 (November 1999)

Vitamins and minerals
Barley contains several vitamins and minerals including niacin (Vitamin B3), thiamine ( Vitamin B1), selenium, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and copper.

Antioxidants
Barley contains antioxidants, which are also important for maintaining good health.  Specifically, antioxidants work to slow down the rate of oxidative damage by gathering up free radicals that form when body cells use oxygen.

Phytochemicals
Barley contains phytochemicals, which are natural plant-based chemicals.  Studies indicate that phytochemicals may decrease the risk for certain diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer.  More research is needed to confirm these results.

Biochemical Information
Amylase, invertase, dextrin, phospholipid, maltose, glucose, Iron, sulfur, phosphorus, magnesium, niacin, protein, vitamin B1

Legends, Myths and Stories
Used in manufacturing beer, malt beverages.

Barley seeds were found in tombs in Asia Minor dating from about 3500 BC. It is believed that barley had it origin in western Asia and was used for food for animals and man; was the chief grain for bread making in Europe until wheat and rye.

The earliest settlers to North American brought barley to the continent.

Uses and Benefits
Barley is an excellent food choice for those concerned about type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes because the grain contains essential vitamins and minerals and is an excellent source of dietary fiber, particularly beta-glucan soluble fiber.  Research shows that barley beta-glucan soluble fiber promotes healthy blood sugar by slowing glucose absorption.

A mucilaginous substance is obtained when hulled barley (pearl barley) is cooked; good nutritional source for throat or stomach problems. The demulcent properties of cooked barley is useful in external treatment of sores, fevers, diarrhea, gout, and tumors. Used as a tonic during convalescence.

Barley water is a skin freshener, cleanses and softens skin. Made by simmering 3 tbsp. barley in 3 cups water for an hour. Strain and cool. Rinse off face after using and refrigerate the barley water. This is best for normal skin. Drinking barley water is also supposed to clear and beautify the skin; sweeten with honey and orange juice.

Barley shoots are used to dry mother's milk, treat food stagnation, weak stomach, weak digestion, loss of appetite, and hepatitis.

Formulas or Dosages
Decoction: was 2 oz. barley with cold water and boil in 1 cup water for a few minutes. Discard the water and boil the barley in 4 pints of water until the total volume is 2 pints. Strain and use as required.

Barley water: wash pearl barley in cold water. Boil 1 part pearl barley in 9 parts water for 20 minutes and strain. A dose is from 1 to 4 oz.

Add pearl barley to soups and stews in place of rice for a tasty change. It's also wonderful as pilaf or risotto.

Barley Recipes from about.com

Warning
Should be avoided by nursing mothers.

Nutritional Aanalysis
Per 1 cup cooked pearl barley
Calories - 193
Protein - 3.5g
Fat - 0.7g
Cholesterol - 0
Carbohydrate - 44g
Total dietary fiber - 6g
Calcium - 17mg
Iron - 2mg
Magnesium - 35 mg
Phosphorus - 85 mg
Potassium -146 mg
Sodium - 5 mg
Zinc - 1.2 mg
Copper - 0.16 mg
Manganese - 0.4 mg
Selenium - 13.5 mcg
Vitamin C - 0
Thiamin - 0.13 mg
Riboflavin - 0.09 mg
Niacin - 3.23 mg
Pantothenic acid - 0.21 mg
Vitamin B6 - 0.18 mg
Folate - 25 mg
Vitamin B12 - 0
Vitamin A - 11 IU
Vitamin E - 0.01 mg
Vitamin K - 1.25mcg

Sources
USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 16
Nationa Barlet Foods Council, barleyfoods.org