Grains like barley can be sprouted before cooking, dried for grinding into sprouted barley flour, or pre-sprouted for growing barley grass. Sprouting barley can be a rewarding process.
Click to download all our Cookbooks today with tips and tricks on sprout barley easily. Learn the best techniques for growing healthy barley sprouts in your favorite recipes. Get started now!
SELECTING BARLEY SEEDS FOR SPROUTING: GETTING READY FOR YOUR BARLEY SPROUT
Try our Organic Barley Sprouting Seeds or follow the guidelines below:
- Look for whole grain barley with hulls intact, not pearled or cracked barley.
- Purchase barley in airtight packaging. Avoid bulk bins for sprouting seeds.
- Avoid barley that has been treated with chemicals or fungicides.
We understand that the process of sprouting barley at home may seem daunting at first, especially if you've never done it before. Rest assured, the process is relatively simple, and the benefits are worth the effort.
Sprouting activates the enzymes in the barley grain, increasing the nutritional value and making it easier for your body to absorb the nutrients. Not only that, sprouted barley has a unique, slightly sweet flavor that can add depth to many recipes.
THE STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS OF SPROUTING BARLEY
- Rinse ½ cup whole barley and remove any debris or stones. Drain.
- Place barley in a quart-size sprouting jar or other sprouting container.
- Fill with water, cover with a sprouting screen or mesh sprouting lid. Soak at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Drain all water off the barley.
- Invert the jar over a bowl at an angle so that the barley will drain and still allow air to circulate.
- After 8-12 hours of draining, rinse and drain again.
- Repeat rinsing and draining 2-3 times daily.
- Tiny sprouts should begin to form in 2-3 days. At this point, sprouting is complete.
- Drain the sprouts well before use or storage.
Organic Sprouting Seed Mix
To store, transfer to a covered container. Sprouts will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
While sprouting barley is a fantastic way to enhance its nutritional profile, sprouted barley doesn’t last nearly as long as dry barley, so it's also essential to understand proper storage.
It's best to keep sprouted barley in a covered container in the refrigerator to preserve its freshness. Also, make sure to use your sprouted barley within three days for optimal taste and nutritional benefits.
CREATIVE WAYS TO USE SPROUTED BARLEY
- Add to salads, soups, bread, and other recipes.
- Transfer to soil and grow barley grass for making barley grass juice.
- Dehydrate and grind into flour.
- Make sprouted breakfast cereal or porridge.
Lastly, don't limit yourself to just the suggestions above when it comes to using your barley sprouts. The world of sprouted barley is versatile. You can experiment with various recipes and preparations, from smoothies and juices to casseroles and stews.
Sprouted barley can add a refreshing, wholesome twist to your meals. Embrace the journey of how to sprout barley, and enjoy the fruits (or sprouts) of your labor!
