Why Choose Season Pearl Barley
A Versatile Whole Grain
From Kitchen to Teapot
Frequently Asked Questions
It's commonly cooked together with rice for added texture and fiber, simmered into soups and stews for heartiness, or roasted to brew a traditional caffeine-free barley tea. It's a versatile grain that bridges everyday cooking and beverage preparation. Some also use it in porridge for a light, wholesome meal.
Yes, roast the barley in a dry pan until fragrant and lightly golden, then simmer it in water for several minutes to make a traditional, nutty-flavored tea. This tea, known as boricha, is enjoyed both hot and cold and is a popular caffeine-free alternative to coffee or regular tea in Korean households.
Rinse the barley thoroughly, then add it to your rice cooker or pot along with your rice, using slightly more water than you would for rice alone since barley absorbs more liquid. Cook as you normally would. The barley adds a chewy texture and subtly nutty flavor to the finished rice.
Soaking isn't required but can help shorten cooking time and result in a softer texture, especially if you're cooking the barley on its own rather than mixed with rice. A soak of an hour or so is usually sufficient if you choose to do it.
Pearl barley has had its outer bran layer polished away during processing, which speeds up cooking time but removes a portion of the original fiber found in hulled barley. It still retains meaningful nutritional value and fiber content, making it a healthier alternative to more heavily refined grains.
Pearl barley has a mild, nutty flavor with a chewy, satisfying texture once cooked. It's subtle enough to blend easily into rice dishes and soups without overpowering other ingredients, while still adding a distinct, wholesome bite that sets it apart from plain rice.