Pearl Barley Ingredient Guide

Pearl barley is a versatile and nutritious grain that brings a hearty texture to various dishes, from soups to salads. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pearl barley (and whole barley), from its benefits to cooking tips, times and recipe ideas.

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Jump to: ℹ️ Overview | 🍚 Barley vs Pearl Barley | 🗒 Nutrition Notes 👩‍🍳 How To Cook | 📝 Full Recipe Card | ⏱️ Cooking Times & Water Ratios | 🛒 Find In Grocery Store | 🥣 Storage Tips | 🍛 Pearl Barley Recipes | 🍽 More Barley Recipes

Barley vs Pearl Barley

Yes, there is a difference between barley and pearl barley:

Barley

• Barley refers to the whole grain, including the outer bran layer, germ, and endosperm. It’s usually called “hulled barley” because only the tough, inedible outer hull has been removed.
• Since hulled barley retains the bran and germ, it’s more nutritious, with higher fiber content, vitamins, and minerals.
• Hulled barley has a chewier texture and a nuttier flavour compared to pearl barley. It also takes longer to cook.

Pearl Barley

• Pearl barley is more processed than regular barley. The outer hull, bran, and sometimes part of the germ are removed, and the grains are polished to create a pearly, white appearance.
• Due to the removal of the bran and some of the germ, pearl barley has less fiber and fewer nutrients compared to hulled barley, though it still retains a good nutritional profile.
• Because it’s more refined, pearl barley cooks faster and has a softer texture, making it a popular choice for soups, stews, and risottos.

In most modern recipes, pearl barley is used as it’s more commonly sold in major supermarkets AND is quicker to cook.

Is Pearl Barley The Same As Kasha?

Kasha or kasza gryczana is a Polish porridge dish made of buckwheat groats. However, kasha or kasza may refer to many grains including millet, oats, or pearl barley. Most kasha recipes use buckwheat, but you may see it made with barley instead. Pearl barley holds up to longer cooking times so despite not being a common cereal grain, it is a good contender.

Pearl Barley Nutrition

Pearl barley is a nutrient-dense grain that provides a range of essential nutrients while being relatively low in fat and calories. Its high fibre content is particularly beneficial for digestive health and satiety making it a great choice for getting some healthy carbohydrates. Here are the macros and key nutrients in pearl barley:

Macronutrients (per 100 grams of cooked pearl barley):

• Calories: 123
• Carbohydrates: 28.2 grams
• Protein: 2.3 grams
• Fat: 0.4 grams
• Fibre: 3.8 grams

Key Nutrients:

• B Vitamins: Particularly niacin (B3), thiamine (B1), and pyridoxine (B6), which are essential for energy metabolism and overall cell function.
• Minerals: Pearl barley is a good source of manganese, selenium, and magnesium.
• Iron: Pearl barley contains a moderate amount of iron, but it’s a good plant-based addition to the diet to boost intake.
• Phosphorus: Important for bone health and energy production.

Is Pearl Barley Gluten-Free?

Despite its many uses, all forms of barley naturally contain gluten. For those following a gluten-free diet, alternatives such as brown rice, quinoa, rice, or buckwheat are good substitutes.

How to Cook Pearl Barley

Barley and pearl barley can be used as a base for salads, added to soups and stews, or served as a side dish. You can get creative and use it in place of oats in porridge, rice in pilaf or risotto dishes, or even small pasta grains in soup or salad. Check out some barley recipe ideas here.

Preparing pearl barley is straightforward and very similar to most other grains. It is a robust grain and can endure longer cooking times without getting too mushy.

Barley Cooking Times & Water Ratios

Here’s a handy guide to cooking barley and using it in different dishes:

• Stovetop Cooked Whole Barley (Plain): 45-60 minutes, use 1 cup of whole barley to 3 cups of water or broth.
• Stovetop Cooked Pearl Barley (Plain): 25-30 minutes, use 1 cup of pearl barley to 2½ cups of water or broth.
• Instant Pot Barley (Plain): For pearl barley, do 20 minutes on high pressure, plus 10 minutes natural release; use 1 cup pearl barley to 2½ cups water or broth. For whole barley, do 25-30 minutes, 1 cup barley to 3 cups water.
• Slow Cooker Barley (Plain): for pearl barley, 3-4 hours on high or 5-6 hours on low, 1 cup pearl barley to 3 cups water or broth. For whole barley, 4-5 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low, 1 cup whole barley to 4 cups water or broth.

When to Add Pearl Barley to Soup

Add pearl barley to your soup about 30 minutes before the soup is finished cooking. This allows the barley to cook through and absorb the flavours of the soup without becoming overly soft or mushy. If you’re cooking a soup with a shorter cooking time (e.g., 30-40 minutes), add the barley at the beginning.

When to Add Pearl Barley to a Slow Cooker Dish

Add pearl barley during the last 3 hours of cooking time (this is on HIGH). This ensures the barley cooks properly and absorbs the liquid, without turning mushy. For example, if a beef stew requires 6 hours on HIGH, add the barley after 3 hours and make sure there is enough liquid to absorb into the barley for it to cook properly).

Where to Find Pearl Barley In Grocery Store

Look for pearl barley near other grains like rice, quinoa, and couscous. It’s often stocked alongside other whole grains and legumes. Sometimes, you might find pearl barley in the baking aisle, near the flour, oats, or other baking ingredients. Some grocery stores place barley in the health food or organic section, especially if it’s labeled as an organic product.

If your store has a bulk section or you shop at a health food store, you might find pearl barley available by weight in the bulk bins, where you can buy as much or as little as you need.

Finally, in some stores, pearl barley might be in the international or ethnic foods section, particularly near Eastern European or Middle Eastern products.

Storage Tips

By following these storage tips, your barley will stay fresh and ready to use in soups, salads, or as a hearty side dish!

Storing Uncooked Barley

• Store uncooked barley in an airtight container in a cool, dry place like a pantry. This keeps it protected from moisture and pests.
• If you live in a humid climate or want to extend the shelf life, you can store uncooked barley in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odours.
• For long-term storage, you can keep barley in the freezer. It can last up to a year when stored properly in a freezer-safe container or bag.

Storing Cooked Barley

• Refrigeration: Cooked barley should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.
• Freezer Storage: Cooked barley can also be frozen for longer storage. Spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator or reheat it directly from frozen.