Many, many people start their day with a fragrant cup of coffee. For some it’s one cup a day, and for some it’s one of many. But not everyone benefits from coffee. Especially in large quantities. It may be contraindicated due to the individual characteristics of a particular person’s body.
The salvation for such people are substitutes that have the properties of coffee, which are not only safe for health, but can even be beneficial.
They contain certain natural components that are used to improve the health of the body. A coffee drink based on barley ears belongs to this group of coffee substitutes. And here you can discuss the benefits and harms of drinking a coffee drink based on barley - the ear.
What is barley coffee
Barley has been used as a food crop for thousands of years. It is not for nothing that this product is in demand, since it includes a rich set of chemical elements.
In ancient times, barley was used to feed Roman gladiators and Russian heroes, which was the basis for preparing a variety of dishes and drinks. Porridge and drinks were made from this grain, and bread was also baked.
Later, a new drink was made, which was prepared from roasted and crushed barley. Natural coffee began to be replaced with this drink. But more often this happened not for health reasons, but due to the high cost and difficulty of delivering coffee beans.
Taste
The taste of barley drink practically does not resemble natural coffee. During the cooking process, it emits a pleasant bready aroma. If you add hot milk to the drink, the taste will become similar to an aromatic cappuccino. Often, to enhance the coffee aroma, chicory is added at the rate of ½ teaspoon per 200 ml.
What does it taste and smell like?
The described coffee substitute has a peculiar taste. It has a hint of toasted bread. The taste can be described as soft, with a slight bitterness. When properly prepared, a high, dense foam forms on the surface of the drink.
Did you know? Barley, together with wheat, is the most ancient cereal crop, evidence of its cultivation dates back to 10 thousand years ago. Scientists suggest that its cultivation first occurred to the inhabitants of the Middle East.
Composition and calorie content
All grains contain a large number of useful components. The same goes for barley. There is a large amount of fiber in the cereal - about 9%. Protein occupies a small proportion of the composition - 15.5%, and carbohydrates - 75.5%.
According to rough estimates, one cup of barley coffee contains about 20–25 kcal, as well as within 5 g of carbohydrates and 1 g of protein.
The drink also includes a considerable number of useful components:
- B vitamins, represented by B1, B2, B3, B4, B6, B8, B9.
- Fat-soluble vitamins such as A, D, E.
- Microelements and macroelements such as silicon, magnesium, iodine, fluorine, phosphorus, sulfur and zinc.
It is also known that barley grains contain dietary soluble fibers called beta-glucans. These components help eliminate toxins and other components harmful to the body, cholesterol, and also reduce the amount of sugar in the blood.
Advantages and disadvantages of the drink
An alternative to regular coffee can be barley coffee, the benefits and harms of which lie in the oblong-shaped grains from which the raw materials are prepared. It has many advantages, as it saturates the body with a large amount of vitamins and minerals. Recommended for all people who prefer a healthy lifestyle.
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Beneficial features:
- restores strength after tiring work;
- calms nervous disorders;
- cleanses the intestines of toxins and harmful substances;
- treats diseases of the digestive system, restores the microflora of the gastrointestinal tract;
- stabilizes blood glucose levels;
- reduces excess weight;
- strengthens the cardiovascular system;
- has a beneficial effect on the appearance of hair, skin, nails;
- weakens the negative effects of viral bacteria during colds and various infections.
Barley drink does not cause any harm to the body, its use has no contraindications. The disadvantages of coffee made from barley beans are:
- Taste qualities that differ significantly from natural coffee. However, avid coffee drinkers can use alternating drinks to limit the consumption of regular coffee, a large amount of which leads to negative consequences.
- The composition does not contain the tonic caffeine, which helps to cheer you up in the morning.
What are the benefits of barley coffee?
General benefit
Even in the last century, thanks to the work of biologists, it was found that drinks based on barley have a strengthening effect on the nervous system. Therefore, the most active use of barley coffee is necessary for people who have experienced or are experiencing serious stress or other stress on the body.
That is why at that time they began to include barley drink in the diet to restore the body. In addition, it is recommended as a means of complex therapy in the treatment of a huge number of different diseases.
For women
First of all, the weakened state of the female body is a signal to take barley coffee. In addition, the drink helps fight caffeine addiction, which is harmful to health and contributes to the accelerated aging process. Also, drinking barley-based coffee balances hormonal levels and maintains the condition of the skin, hair and nails at the proper level.
In addition to the listed beneficial qualities of the drink, we can highlight several more that apply not only to the fair sex, but to all people:
- supporting the functioning of the cardiovascular system at the proper level;
- reduction of various types of pain;
- stimulation of metabolic processes;
- reducing the risk of diabetes;
- bactericidal and tonic effect on the body;
- prevention of cancer, especially breast cancer;
- facilitating respiratory processes.
The most beneficial quality of the drink is that it helps reduce blood sugar. That is why it is recommended for use by patients diagnosed with diabetes. Due to its targeted bactericidal effect, its use is recommended for influenza and colds. This is due to the fact that the drink strengthens the immune system and promotes its resistance to infections and viral diseases.
For men
For men, barley drink is also very useful. Its positive characteristics here are as follows:
- Keeps blood cholesterol levels at the required level thanks to the soluble fiber it contains, which also helps maintain a slim figure.
- Recommended for use for the prevention of cancer.
- Improves potency thanks to the nitric oxide and arginine contained in the composition, which help fight dysfunction of the reproductive system and increase the production of testicular and sperm cells.
- Keeps the body in good shape due to its high selenium content, which improves the functioning of the heart and pancreas.
In addition to the listed positive effects of barley coffee, it is also worth noting that it is actively involved in the digestive process. This is facilitated by the beneficial bacteria present in the drink, which not only support intestinal function, but also minimize the risk of diseases such as hemorrhoids and colorectal cancer.
During pregnancy
Of course, you shouldn’t drink real coffee while pregnant. This is due to the fact that caffeine removes the calcium and magnesium needed during this period from the body. In addition, kidney function may be impaired and heart rate may increase significantly. That is why you should pay attention to substitutes for your favorite coffee. A barley drink is ideal for this. His work will be aimed at replenishing energy without harming the health of the body as a whole.
When breastfeeding
During breastfeeding, drinking coffee is prohibited. Also, you should not overuse tea at this time. A coffee substitute made from barley will be a good alternative for women who are breastfeeding.
This drink will not harm the health of a weakened female body or a developing child's body. It will not disturb the child's sleep, will not lead to an excited state and will not cause allergic manifestations. When honey and milk are added to the drink in moderation, it will also improve lactation.
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For children
Barley drink can be useful not only for adults, but also for children. In addition, you can drink it not only in the morning, but also in the evening. It will have a positive effect on the child’s nervous system, without stimulating it, but on the contrary, calming it. In addition, this coffee will help replenish the child’s body with vitamins and minerals necessary for development.
When losing weight
Barley coffee helps remove toxins from the body. In addition, it is ideal for people watching their weight, due to the rapid saturation of the stomach. Due to its high fiber content, the drink keeps fluid levels in the body at the required level. Therefore, introducing barley coffee into your daily diet will help you get rid of extra pounds.
Distribution history
Barley drink appeared to replace coffee. At first, residents of Italy began to use it. But they didn’t start brewing it to avoid the health risks of caffeine. The fact is that coffee was too expensive, and not everyone could afford it. In addition, it was very difficult to acquire.
Did you know? The first drink that was made from barley was beer. The foamy liquid quickly became popular and at one time was even used as currency - it was used to pay hired workers in ancient Mesopotamia.
The Italians nicknamed the barley coffee substitute Caffe d'orzo. From their territory, the drink spread throughout Europe during World War II. He was especially loved in Spain. Already in the post-war years, about 20 companies producing it appeared here.
Harm and contraindications
As has already become clear from all of the above, barley coffee has a number of positive properties. As for contraindications, the drink has practically none. There are only two nuances in which it is believed that this liquid can cause harm to the body:
- As a result of drinking too much, you can gain several extra pounds in a short period of time.
- In case of identified diseases of the small intestine. These pathologies lead to the fact that the protein contained in gluten is not broken down and, therefore, is not absorbed. This can lead to many health problems.
Please note that many experts recommend drinking no more than 4–5 cups of barley drink per day. Any remaining amount consumed can have a negative impact on your health.
Manufacturers and brands of instant barley drinks
Continuing traditions, some producers in our country produce barley coffee from natural domestic raw materials.
- produces a barley drink containing rye under the Staraya Mill brand.
- The once popular brand “Barley Ear” can still be found on store shelves today. Releases him.
- The famous manufacturer Stoletov also makes its own “Ear of Barley”. Having products with the same name is associated with trademark rights confusion.
Regional manufacturers produce their own versions of a useful and healthy product.
Instant coffee drinks made from barley may additionally contain chicory, ground acorns, and other natural ingredients.
The cost of a 100 gram package varies from 45 to 55 rubles. Products from local manufacturers may cost less, 30-35 rubles.
How to select and store
Some stores sell barley coffee in a ready-made form suitable for direct preparation, namely roasted and ground. All that remains is to cook it correctly in a Turk.
The technology for producing raw materials for the drink comes down to selecting large-sized grains, thoroughly washing them and completely drying them. Next comes the frying stage.
You should not prepare or purchase large quantities of raw materials to prepare the drink. Keeping it in a suitable form without unnecessary hassle will not be easy.
Barley coffee drink
They can be produced with the addition of chicory, a certain amount of blueberry extracts, and other additives that enrich the drinks with new tastes and properties. To get only the good from life, even in such drinks you should know when to stop and always read the ingredients, because you better know your individual intolerance. Any abuse, even in such a simple product as barley drink, is harmful. Today you can buy drinks from roasted and ground beans, which are brewed like coffee beans, or instant drinks - which are diluted with hot water and, if desired, cream or milk is added.
Types of barley coffee
In order to purchase a drink, just go to the dietary departments. Not only insoluble preparations in the form of roasted barley can be sold there, but also instant drinks, sometimes even supplemented with other ingredients, such as medicinal herbs, rose hips, natural coffee, cardamom or chicory.
The most famous ready-made instant drinks are:
- “Old Mill” is a caffeine-free product, but it contains many positive qualities. The disadvantage of this product is considered to be poor solubility, due to which lumps remain after brewing.
- “Ear of Barley” contains not only crushed barley, but also chicory. Sold in convenient packaging with a reusable clasp. It has a bready aroma and during the brewing process forms a lush foam on the surface, which disappears after a while.
- Happiness is made from selected barley grains. It does not harm the body and is also not addictive. The taste of the drink is pleasant, it invigorates and fills the body with energy. Helps in the fight against excess weight.
- “Zdorovye” has a pleasant taste, slightly reminiscent of natural coffee. Dissolves completely in hot water.
- “Golden Ear” is an excellent substitute for natural coffee. The drink contains crushed grains of barley and rye. The finished drink has a pleasant bitter taste, which can be removed by adding cream, condensed milk or sugar to the drink.
Each of the listed drinks is in unprecedented demand among people for whom natural coffee is contraindicated.
Manufacturing technology
In the production of barley coffee, only organic barley is used, which is grown without the use of fertilizers and pesticides. To begin with, the barley is thoroughly cleaned of all kinds of impurities. After this, the hard shell of the cereal must be removed, which can spoil the taste of the future drink. In Italy, special varieties of barley are grown that do not require special processing. This type of cereal is called bare grain.
Cleaned grains are roasted in special cylinder-shaped drums. The temperature in them does not exceed 200°C. After this, the raw materials undergo a cooling process using devices specially designed for this. And then the finished product is packaged in hermetically sealed bags.
Many companies produce various types of barley coffee. These can be whole grains, crushed, or prepared using a special technology - in capsules. In the production of instant barley coffee, almost the same technology is used as for instant natural coffee.
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Public opinion
People who care about their health tend to make barley coffee and leave reviews about it:
Inna Ostapova, Moscow: “I bought a 100-gram pack for 35 rubles. Contains rye and barley. The taste is pleasant, milky-cereal, the smell is sweetish, burnt, not particularly expressive. It cooks quickly, just stir a couple of spoons in hot water. Lumps appear that need to be whisked. Thanks to the drink, my husband and I limited our coffee consumption, which saved us a lot financially.”
Sergey Popov, Togliatti: “I am a long-time coffee lover, I drink 6-7 cups a day. When I felt that I had problems with my heartbeat, I decided to replace my favorite drink with something, since I couldn’t give it up completely. A friend recommended a natural substitute - barley coffee. I haven’t gotten used to the taste yet, the bready smell confuses me, but I noticed the benefits for the body after a week. The general level of vigor has increased, blood pressure and heart rate have normalized.”
Elena Portnova, Tatarstan: “I am a housewife, I have a lot of free time, so making coffee from barley is a pleasure for me, not work. I fry them according to my own taste; when I want a more bitter drink, I overcook them a little, when I want a softer drink, I overcook them a little. I pour it into a glass jar and enjoy. I noticed that the extra pounds disappeared, my complexion improved, and my hair stopped falling out. The taste of barley coffee is pleasant, I add a little milk.”
By including barley drink in your daily diet, you can renew your body, cleanse it and gain excellent health.
A drink made from barley grains cannot replace coffee and you should not turn your choice to it only when looking for a replacement for coffee. With the advent of all kinds of coffee, cereal drinks
faded into the background and were undeservedly forgotten. After all, due to its benefits, “coffee made from barley” was once recommended for medical and baby nutrition.
How to prepare beans for barley coffee: recipes
There are many different options for making coffee from barley. Each cooking option is good in its own way, but only if everything is done correctly.
In order for the finished drink to have good taste, aroma and color, it is worth using a combined method of roasting selected barley grains. To do this you will need to do the following:
- Select large grains of barley, wash them well, and then dry them no less thoroughly.
- Pour the prepared grains into a dry frying pan and fry over medium or low heat, stirring constantly for 20–30 minutes.
- Divide the amount of beans to be roasted into two parts. Pour one part into a suitable container, and continue to fry the second for 15 minutes, also in a dry frying pan and low heat.
- Mix the beans and grind using a coffee grinder. Barley coffee is ready for preparation.
No less popular than the option described above is coffee made from barley and rye. This drink dates back to ancient India; it was considered a means of achieving eternal youth. Making coffee involves the following steps:
- Select large grains of barley and rye. Wash them thoroughly, then pour them into a suitable container and fill with cold water. Leave for 24 hours to infuse.
- Now proceed to wet heat treatment. To do this, cook the grains over low heat until they begin to crack. After this, rinse them thoroughly again in cold water.
- Leave in the sieve for a while to release excess moisture, and then start frying the grains. This will take a small amount of time, but will require special care. During the process, ensure uniform heating and frying. Readiness will be indicated by a change in the color of the cereals - the color should change to dark brown.
After this, you can begin to directly prepare the drink.
How to make barley coffee: recipes
The simplest version of barley coffee is called classic. Its preparation is as follows:
- Prepare a Turk, into which you need to pour 3 tablespoons of prepared and crushed barley grains.
- Pour purified water (280 ml) and send the Turk to the fire at minimum intensity.
- Wait until it starts boiling, remove from heat and pour into cups.
- Infuse for 5 minutes and you can enjoy the aromatic drink.
You can make barley coffee not only using water, but also milk. To do this, perform the following steps:
- In a Turkish bowl, mix 200 ml milk and 100 ml water.
- Add 4 tablespoons of prepared and chopped barley grains.
- Bring to a boil over low heat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
This option tastes like everyone’s favorite cappuccino. You will be pleased with the subtle bready aroma and thick, high foam. To complement the taste of the drink, you can use honey, cinnamon, cream, sugar, lemon or even ice cream.
Preparation of barley coffee with rye consists of the following steps:
- Pour prepared barley and rye powder into the pot in the amount of 1 tablespoon.
- Pour in 100 ml of purified water.
- Bring to a boil over low heat and simmer for another 2 minutes. At the same time, you can add 1 teaspoon of chicory, which will enhance the coffee aroma of the drink.
There is a recipe for making a drink based on rye, barley and pearl barley. This drink is called “Fragrant”. The step-by-step preparation of coffee is as follows:
- Place barley, rye, and pearl barley in equal proportions in a suitable container and fill with cold water 2 cm above the level of the cereals. Leave to steep for 12 hours.
- After the specified time has passed, drain the remaining liquid and thoroughly rinse the cereal composition.
- Boil water on the stove and pour the prepared grains into it, which are cooked until they begin to crack.
- Pour the grains into a colander, rinse and leave for a while to release excess moisture. Then dry the grains well.
- Place them in a dry frying pan, fry, cool, and then turn them into a homogeneous powder using a coffee grinder.
- Pour the powder into water, bring to boiling temperature on the stove and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Pour into a clean container and add instant chicory. Leave to infuse for 10 minutes.
In order to enhance the beneficial properties of the drink, you can add 2 teaspoons of natural honey to it.
Each of the prepared drinks can be consumed at any time of the day, since they do not affect sleep and do not excite the nervous system.
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How to use it correctly
Barley drink can be drunk at any time of the day. It is good to consume it during breakfast. It is also suitable for dinner and snack time. To make the taste better, you should add sugar and its substitutes, milk, cream, ice cream, lemon, cinnamon, and honey to the coffee substitute.
After adding milk, the drink is vaguely similar to cappuccino. When prepared correctly, it has the same thick and high foam. The aroma becomes more subtle. To bring the smell closer to coffee, add chicory.
