Porridge of beauty: expert explained why barley is useful, how to cook it properly, what to add to it and who should avoid it

Pearl barley is one of the healthiest and most nutritious cereals with high nutritional value. It can be used to make delicious, hearty and healthy dishes. Moreover, its affordable price allows you to use it quite often on your table. However, we forget about this healthy product because it is not as popular as buckwheat or oatmeal, for example.

Nutritionist Svitlana Fus told us on Instagram why pearl barley is useful, how to cook it properly and what to eat with it.

"Pearl barley is based on barley, a very ancient and valuable crop. In addition to fiber, barley grain contains a large amount of protein - about 15% per 100 g - which is quite a large percentage for cereals. In addition, it has a wide range of minerals and vitamins, including potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, copper, zinc, selenium, vitamins B, PP and E," Fus explained.

The expert added that barley is most often eaten in the form of two cereals: barley and pearl barley, depending on the method of barley processing. Barley groats are crushed barley grains, so more fiber remains in them. And pearl barley is peeled and partially polished whole barley grains with the remains of fruit and seed hulls.

Barley is also called a porridge of beauty

"It is because it contains the amino acid lysine, a substance necessary for collagen production. It is lysine that makes the skin elastic and prevents the appearance of wrinkles. And vitamins B and E in pearl barley help keep your nails, hair and skin healthy!" Fus summarizes.

How to cook barley correctly

Before cooking, the groats should be soaked for 1-3 hours, preferably overnight to reduce the cooking time. If you soak it for more than 3 hours, the groats will not turn out crumbly when cooked.

Afterwards, rinse and cover the groats with water in a ratio of 1:3 and cook over low heat for about 30-45 minutes.

Spices for barley

It goes best with allspice, paprika, ginger, turmeric, garlic, chili, basil, dill, and parsley, and even with soy sauce.

What is the best way to eat pearl barley?

"With fish, meat, vegetables, even fruits, berries, and herbs! It can also be used to make stuffed cabbage rolls and cutlets," the nutritionist said.

Who shouldn't eat porridge

"It contains gluten, so people with gluten intolerance should not eat it," the expert said.