Frequently Asked Questions

 

What is the difference between hulless, hulled, pearled, and pot barley?

Hulless barley is a whole grain, the most minimally processed and not polished or “pearled”.

Hulled barley has been lightly processed and polished but is still considered a whole grain.

Pot barley has been processed and polished, more so than hulled barley but less than pearled.

Pearled barley isn’t a whole grain and has been highly polished but is still rich in fiber and cooks quickly.

Is barley a whole grain?

Barley can be a whole grain depending on the form it is in. When purchasing barley and looking for a whole grain, choose hulless or hulled barley. Pot and pearled barley are not a whole grain, however, it still contains rich amounts of fiber and nutrients.

Is barley a GMO?

No, there are only 10 GMO crops in the United States and barley is not one of them.

Does barley contain gluten?

Yes, barley contains gluten.

What’s special about the fiber in barley compared to other grains?

Barley contains the most fiber of all grains, with most varieties clocking in around 17% and some as high as 35%. Unlike other grains, barley’s fiber is found in the whole kernel so even non-whole grain options contain fiber. In addition, barley contains the most amount of beta-glucan fiber; a form of dietary fiber strongly linked to lowering insulin resistance and blood cholesterol, reducing the risk of obesity and boosting heart health.

Storing Barley

To ensure the quality of products, keep barley in airtight containers.

PANTRY

REFRIGERATOR

FREEZER

DRY PRODUCT

Hulless, Hulled, and Pearl Barley:
6 months

Barley Flakes:
6 months

Barley Flour:
3 months

COOKED

Hulless, Hulled, and Pearl Barley:
3-5 Days

Barley Flakes:
3-5 Days

SALADS

3-5 Days

STEWS/SOUPS/CHILIS 

3-5 Days

COOKED

Hulless, Hulled, and Pearl Barley:
2 Months

Barley Flakes:
2 Months

DRY PRODUCTS

Hulless, Hulled, and Pearl Barley:
1 Year

Barley Flakes:
1 Year

Barley Flour:
6 Months

STEWS/SOUPS/CHILIS 

6 Months

Meet the Growers

Barley Lee

Barley St. Barley Town

Barley Povey

Barley St. Barley Town

Barley Reid

Barley St. Barley Town

Barley Lam

Barley St. Barley Town

Barley Mosley

Barley St. Barley Town
This site is managed and produced by the Idaho Barley Commission