Barley Tea: A Drink From The East

With the warmer weather approaching, many are looking for options when it comes to quenching their thirst.

Working outdoors, I'd often find that I was looking for something other then the usual, water, sports drinks, and teas.High sugar levels, calories, and boredom take away from those options, depending on your activity levels.It's nice being able to switch things up for variety, caffeine free at that.

This is where barley water comes in.A healthy drink with a long history. This drink is called by different names depending on the area.Barley teas in asia are called "Dàmài-chá" in China, "Mugicha" in Japan and "Boricha" in Korea.

Some of the suspected health benefits associated with Barley waters:

*Help controlling cholesterol levels
*Lowered risk of cavities
*Improved circulation
*Lower blood pressure
*Antioxidant properties
*Improved digestive health and regularity
*Improves sleep patterns
*Can promote weight loss
*Helps with congestion


This drink is really refreshing.I usually end up going through it quicker then I imagine.Great for keeping cool in the summer. It can be drank warm too. This tea is served year round in the east.

I like this drink because it's cheap to make, and there are a wide variety of options to play with.I like boiling it with ginger slices for example.Straight up is great, some prefer it prepared with a bit of juice, fruit slices or a little sugar.

My grandparents used to just throw the barley in some water and set it to brew.I prefer to roast the barley before hand, it adds a deeper flavour to the drink.A variety of barley can be used, I usually use pearl barley.It's cheap and I get it in the bulk section of my local grocery store.

I roast the barley in a frying pan, usually doing about 2 or 3 cups worth.You simply put just barley in the pan on medium low heat and stir/toss occasionally for 5 to 10 minutes depending on how rich you want the flavour. 10 minutes is about right for me, you want to keep an eye on it while toasting.(So it roasts evenly.)It's a good idea to keep the fan on and crack the door or window.The barley can get smoky quick, so keep in mind your smoke detectors.

After it's had a chance to cool, store it for use.

Making the tea:

Volumes:

Personal:
-2 to 3 tablespoons to 4 cups of water(about 1 liter)

Pitcher:
-1/2 cup barley to 2 quarts water(about 1.9 liters)

1)Rinse the barley briefly
2)Place barley in pot
3)Add water
4)Bring to boil
5)Simmer for 10 to 20 minutes to taste

Strain and store in the fridge.It can be drank warm as well.Eat the barley for extra credit.

Barley tea is refreshing, and you may not have heard of it.Toasted it has a rich flavour, and is a healthy drink for the summer.Hopefully, this is another option for you to stay hydrated.


Caution:

It's best to drink gradually, drinking it too quick can upset one's stomach. It can go bad too, if it tastes strange or the texture is off, throw it out.I haven't encountered this, I usually make it on the stove.It's best to consume it within a couple days.

On a more serious note, if you have Celiac disease,gluten sensitivity, or allergies to cereals, Barley water isn't recommended for you.Barley water may lower blood sugar levels, so diabetics and individuals going into surgery should talk to their doctor before drinking this.

Sources:
en.wikipedia.org...
www.foods4betterhealth.com...
www.thirstyfortea.com...
www.webmd.com...

I assumed that this was going to be about home brewed beer.

This sounds good though, I'll give it a try next time I'm working outside.

YOu had me going about this....was willing to give it a try, until you got to the grain-celiac-gluten thing.

I may get brave and still try it.....thanks for posting this alternative beverage!

a reply to: wheresthebody

It's good for that, lots of goodies in there.(quercetin, curcumin,catechins,vitamin C, vitamin E,selenium, trace minerals)

I think I'll enjoy a cold beer tonight.

A reply to: DontTreadOnMe

You're welcome.I'm not very knowledgeable about gluten.

I described the tea as improving digestive health, I find it can have a mild laxative effect. I feel if you are going to try this, maybe make it very weak or drink a very small amount to see how your system handles this.Perhaps some of our more knowledgeable members could comment.Good luck :-)