Navigating a grocery store can sometimes feel like a scavenger hunt, especially when you’re looking for a specific ingredient. One such item might be barley, a versatile grain that’s popular in a variety of dishes, including soups, salads, and grain bowls. If you’ve never bought barley before or are unsure where to find it, you’re not alone. This article will guide you through the grocery store aisles and locations you can explore to find barley with ease.
So, where exactly can you find barley in the grocery store? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. As you read on, you’ll discover the primary sections where barley is likely to be shelved, as well as any alternative spots you may want to check out. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly where to look to complete your shopping list and incorporate this wholesome grain into your home cooking.
Locating Barley in the Grocery Store
Grains Section
When searching for barley in your grocery store, start by heading to the grains section. This is typically where you’ll find rice, flour, and similar products. Keep an eye out for pearled barley, which is a common type of barley with the outer husk removed. Barley flour might also be available in this section or in the baking aisle.
Bulk Section
If your grocery store offers a bulk section, you might find both hulled and pearled barley there. Bulk sections are a great way to purchase barley at a lower cost. This area usually offers various types of grains, beans, and oatmeal, which may be sold by weight. Whole Foods and Shiloh Farms are examples of stores that often offer barley in their bulk sections.
Breakfast Section
Sometimes, barley products are stocked in the breakfast aisle along with hot cereals like oatmeal. This is particularly true for brands like Quaker that offer quick-cooking barley. If you’re scouting for barley in this section, be sure to check labels carefully, as they might sit alongside differing barley types or blends.
Rice and Beans Section
Barley can also be found in the rice and beans section of a grocery store. As a versatile grain, it’s often used as an alternative to rice in dishes like risotto or grain salads. Stores like Meijer might feature barley alongside rice and bean products, making it convenient for shoppers seeking similar items.
Soup Section
Finally, you may want to explore the soup aisle of your grocery store to locate barley. Since it’s a popular ingredient in soups and stews, it’s common for stores like Publix to place barley in this section for easy access. Look for barley alongside soup mixes or bouillon, and don’t forget to check for specialty varieties, like pearl barley.
Remember to look out for barley, barley flour, and different types of barley (such as hulled, pearled, and quick-cooking) in these various sections of your grocery store. The store layout can vary, so it might take a little exploration, but these tips should help you locate barley with ease.
Types of Barley in the Grocery Store
Hulled Barley
Hulled barley, also known as whole barley, is the least processed form of barley available. The outer husk has been removed, but the bran and germ layers are still intact. This makes hulled barley an excellent source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including B vitamins and iron.
When shopping for hulled barley, you may find it in the grains section alongside rice and beans, or in the bulk bin section if your grocery store offers this option. Keep in mind that hulled barley takes longer to cook, typically around 45-60 minutes.
Pearled Barley
Pearled barley is the most common type of barley found in grocery stores. It has been processed to remove the outer husk, as well as the bran and germ layers. This type of barley cooks faster than hulled barley, usually in about 25-30 minutes. While pearled barley is still a good source of fiber and nutrients, it does not contain as much as hulled barley due to the processing it goes through.
You can typically locate pearled barley in the same sections as hulled barley, either in the grains aisle or the bulk bins. It may also be found in the soup aisle, given its frequent use as a soup ingredient.
Barley Flour
Barley flour is made from ground barley and can be used as a healthy alternative to regular flour in certain recipes. It is a whole grain flour that is high in fiber and contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins and iron. Barley flour has fewer calories and less gluten than traditional wheat flour, making it a suitable option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake or who have a sensitivity to gluten.
To find barley flour in the grocery store, look for it in the baking aisle alongside other alternative flours or in the health food section.
Barley Brands
Quaker
Quaker is a well-known brand that offers a variety of barley products, including their Quick Barley. You can find their barley products in the breakfast section, as well as in the grains aisle of many grocery stores such as Walmart and Kroger. Quaker barley is also available for purchase on Amazon.
Shiloh Farms
Shiloh Farms offers whole grain barley, which can be found in a number of grocery stores such as Whole Foods and Wegmans. Their barley is typically located in the grains or natural foods aisle. You can also find Shiloh Farms barley on Amazon.
In addition to these brands, you can find barley in various grocery stores:
- Walmart: Both Quaker and Shiloh Farms, along with other barley brands, can be found in the grains aisle or breakfast section of Walmart.
- Kroger: Kroger carries store-brand barley options, which are usually stocked alongside popular name-brand barley products in the grains aisle.
- Wegmans: Whole barley can be found in one-pound bags in the Mexican food aisle alongside other Goya products. Pearled barley is located in the pasta aisle.
- Safeway: Safeway sells both their store-brand barley and other generic barley brands, typically in the grains or pasta aisle.
- Publix: Store-brand and name-brand pearled barley can be found in the rice and dry beans aisle at Publix stores.
- Whole Foods: Whole Foods carries a selection of barley brands, including Shiloh Farms, in their grains or natural foods section.
- Meijer: Pearled barley is available in the grains aisle, next to beans, at Meijer stores.
- Amazon: As one of the largest online stores, Amazon offers a variety of barley brands available for online orders and delivery such as Quaker and Shiloh Farms.
- Trader Joe’s: While they may not carry a wide range of barley products, you can still find occasional offerings in the grains section at Trader Joe’s.
By knowing where to find these brands, you can easily locate and purchase barley products in your preferred grocery stores.
Barley Preparation Tips
Pre-Soak Barley
Although it is not necessary to pre-soak barley before cooking, rinsing the grains helps remove any dirt or extra debris. To pre-soak barley, simply put the grains in a bowl, cover them with water, and let them sit for a few hours or overnight. This can help reduce the cooking time and produce a softer texture.
Cook Barley
To cook barley, start by rinsing the grains thoroughly. For every cup of barley, use three cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, then add the barley and a pinch of salt. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes if using quick barley. Pearl barley may take around 25 to 30 minutes, while hulled barley can take up to 45 minutes. The barley should have a tender, chewy texture when done. Drain any excess water and let it stand for about five minutes to fluff up.
Homemade Soup
Barley is a great addition to homemade soups and stews. To include barley in your soups, simply add the uncooked or partially cooked grains to your soup base and let them simmer in the liquid. They will absorb the flavors of the other ingredients while adding a satisfying, chewy texture. Common soup recipes with barley include beef barley soup, vegetable barley soup, and chicken barley soup.
Baked Goods
You can also incorporate barley into your baked goods for added nutritional value and unique flavors. Barley flour is an excellent alternative to wheat flour in recipes such as bread, muffins, pancakes, and cookies. To use barley flour in baking, you can either replace all or part of the wheat flour in your recipes. Note that barley flour has less gluten than wheat flour, so it might not rise as much, and the texture might be slightly different. Experiment with different proportions of barley flour to find the perfect balance for your particular recipe.
Remember to always use reliable sources and accurate information when preparing barley and incorporating it into your dishes. Happy cooking!
Nutrition and Benefits of Barley
Barley is a whole grain that is packed with nutrients and offers numerous health benefits. Let’s delve into the nutritional content and advantages it can provide in your diet.
First, barley is an excellent source of fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. In particular, hulled barley contains 31.8 grams of fiber per cup (184g), making it a great option for weight loss. Furthermore, it is rich in vitamins, especially B vitamins, which play a crucial role in maintaining good health and well-being.
The mineral content of barley is also noteworthy. It is a good source of minerals like copper, manganese, phosphorus, and selenium. These minerals contribute to various bodily functions, such as maintaining bone health and supporting the immune system. One-half cup (100 grams) of uncooked, hulled barley provides:
- Calories: 354
- Carbs: 73.5 g (27 percent DV)
When it comes to comparing barley with other whole grains, such as oatmeal, barley stands out due to its high fiber content and benefits for weight loss. Its soluble fiber specifically targets belly fat, which is associated with metabolic diseases.
Including barley in your diet can lead to numerous health benefits. It not only supports heart health by reducing cholesterol levels but also helps in preventing certain types of cancer and reducing inflammation. Thanks to its rich nutrient profile, barley is an excellent addition to a balanced and healthy diet.
Remember, when shopping for barley in the grocery store, it can be found in various forms, such as hulled or pearled. Hulled barley is more nutritious since it retains its outer layer, which is rich in fiber and other nutrients. When cooking, one cup of hulled barley yields about 3.5 cups cooked, while one cup of pearled barley yields 4 cups cooked.
Alternative Grains
Oats
Oats are a popular and nutritious alternative to barley. They’re commonly found in the cereal aisle of your local grocery store, as well as health food stores. Oats come in various forms, such as steel-cut, rolled, and quick-cooking. You can enjoy oats in various recipes, such as oatmeal, granola, and baked goods. They provide a great source of fiber and other essential nutrients, making them an excellent option for a healthy diet.
Farro
Another alternative grain to consider is farro. This ancient grain, often found in the pasta or rice aisle, has a nutty flavor and chewy texture, making it a versatile choice for salads, side dishes, and main courses. Farro is high in fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients, which can contribute to your overall health and well-being.
- Cooking time: 25-35 minutes
- Nutritional values (per 1/4 cup dry):
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 6g
- Fiber: 5g
Recipes to try with farro include farro salad with roasted vegetables or Farro risotto.
Quinoa
Lastly, quinoa is a well-known and popular grain alternative to barley. Quinoa can be found in the rice or grain aisle of your local grocery store. This gluten-free pseudo-grain is actually a seed, but its texture and cooking properties are similar to grains. Quinoa comes in various colors such as white, red, and black, and offers a high nutritional profile. It’s a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids, as well as a good source of fiber, iron, and magnesium.
To cook quinoa:
- Rinse quinoa in cold water using a fine mesh strainer.
- Add 1 cup quinoa and 2 cups water to a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or until all water is absorbed.
Incorporate quinoa into your meals by trying recipes such as quinoa salads, quinoa-stuffed peppers, or as a base for grain bowls.