Barley flour

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Barley Flour is a type of flour derived from barley. It is used in various culinary applications, including the production of bread, biscuits, and cakes. Barley flour is also used as a thickening agent in soups and sauces.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

The term "barley" is derived from the Old English word "bærlic," which means "of barley." The word "flour" comes from the Old French "flour" or "flor," meaning "flower" or "finest part of the grain."

Types of Barley Flour[edit | edit source]

There are several types of barley flour, including:

  • Whole Barley Flour: This type of flour is made from the entire barley grain, including the bran, germ, and endosperm. It is high in fiber and has a slightly nutty flavor.
  • Hulled Barley Flour: This flour is made from hulled barley, which has had the outermost layer of the grain removed. It is less nutritious than whole barley flour but has a milder flavor.
  • Pearl Barley Flour: This flour is made from pearl barley, which has been polished to remove the bran and germ. It is the least nutritious type of barley flour but has the lightest flavor and texture.
  • Patent Barley Flour: This is a type of barley flour that has been specially processed to remove almost all of the bran and germ, resulting in a very fine, white flour. It is often used in baking.

Health Benefits[edit | edit source]

Barley flour is rich in vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B, iron, and magnesium. It is also high in fiber, which can aid in digestion and help to control blood sugar levels. Additionally, barley flour contains antioxidants that can help to protect the body against disease.

Culinary Uses[edit | edit source]

Barley flour can be used in a variety of culinary applications. It can be used to make bread, biscuits, and cakes, and can also be used as a thickening agent in soups and sauces. Barley flour can also be used to make a type of flatbread known as roti.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Barley flour Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD