Covered Barley vs. Hulled Barley

Attribute	Covered Barley	Hulled Barley
Definition	Barley grains that still have their outer hull intact	Barley grains that have had their outer hull removed
Nutritional Value	Higher in fiber and nutrients due to the intact hull	Lower in fiber and nutrients due to the removal of the hull
Cooking Time	Longer cooking time required due to the intact hull	Shorter cooking time required due to the absence of the hull
Texture	Chewier texture due to the intact hull	Softer texture due to the absence of the hull

Introduction

Barley is a versatile and nutritious grain that has been consumed for thousands of years. There are different varieties of barley, including covered barley and hulled barley. While both types of barley are similar in many ways, they also have distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the attributes of covered barley and hulled barley to help you understand the differences between the two.

What is Covered Barley?

Covered barley, also known as barley groats, is a type of barley that still has its outer hull intact. The hull is the tough outer layer of the barley grain that needs to be removed before consumption. Covered barley is considered to be less processed compared to hulled barley, as it retains its outer layer. This outer layer provides additional fiber and nutrients, making covered barley a nutritious choice.

What is Hulled Barley?

Hulled barley, on the other hand, has had its outer hull removed, leaving just the bran and germ layers intact. This makes hulled barley slightly more processed than covered barley. However, hulled barley is still a whole grain and retains most of its nutrients and fiber content. Hulled barley is often used in soups, stews, and salads for its chewy texture and nutty flavor.

Texture and Flavor

One of the main differences between covered barley and hulled barley is their texture and flavor. Covered barley tends to be chewier and has a nuttier flavor compared to hulled barley. This is due to the presence of the outer hull, which adds a bit of crunch and texture to covered barley. Hulled barley, on the other hand, has a softer texture and a milder flavor, making it a versatile ingredient in various dishes.

Nutritional Content

When it comes to nutritional content, both covered barley and hulled barley are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, covered barley may have a slight edge over hulled barley in terms of fiber content, as the outer hull of covered barley is a good source of dietary fiber. On the other hand, hulled barley may have a slightly higher protein content compared to covered barley. Both types of barley are low in fat and cholesterol, making them a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

Cooking Time

Covered barley and hulled barley also differ in their cooking time. Covered barley typically takes longer to cook compared to hulled barley, as the outer hull needs to be softened during the cooking process. Hulled barley, on the other hand, cooks faster since it does not have the outer hull to soften. If you are short on time, hulled barley may be a better option for quick and easy meals.

Uses in Cooking

Both covered barley and hulled barley can be used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, salads, and pilafs. Covered barley is often used in traditional dishes like barley porridge or as a side dish. Its chewy texture and nutty flavor make it a great addition to hearty soups and stews. Hulled barley, on the other hand, is more versatile and can be used in both savory and sweet dishes. It can be used as a base for salads, added to casseroles, or even used in baking recipes.

Availability and Cost

When it comes to availability and cost, hulled barley is more commonly found in grocery stores compared to covered barley. Hulled barley is often sold in bulk bins or packaged in bags in the grains section of the store. Covered barley, on the other hand, may be harder to find and is usually sold in specialty health food stores or online. In terms of cost, hulled barley is generally more affordable than covered barley, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to incorporate barley into their diet.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both covered barley and hulled barley are nutritious and versatile grains that can be used in a variety of dishes. While covered barley retains its outer hull and has a chewier texture, hulled barley is slightly more processed and has a softer texture. Both types of barley are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy choice for a balanced diet. Whether you choose covered barley or hulled barley, incorporating barley into your meals can add flavor, texture, and nutritional benefits to your diet.