Organic British Barley Flakes

What Are Barley Flakes?

Barley was used by the Ancient Egyptians to make beer and barley bread. It has been a staple food in Tibet for centuries in the form of tsampa, where roasted barley flour is mixed with yak butter and formed into dough balls or porridge.

It is used in a variety of Middle Eastern dishes, as well as in mugicha tea in Japan. In Scotland, it is used to make bannock.

Cooking with Barley Flakes

Barley flakes provide another way to enjoy the many nutritious benefits of barley! They can be eaten hot or cold, and are a great alternative to oat flakes, resulting in a nuttier, slightly sweeter flavour and chewier texture.

Add 1 part barley flakes and a pinch of salt to 2 parts boiling water. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 5-8 minutes, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Try adding raisins or cranberries to the flakes as they are cooking - the fruits will plump and sweeten the cereal, or sweeten with honey or maple syrup and finish with toasted nuts.

You could also use barley flakes as a crumble topping, or to make pancakes - just substitute 1/2 the flour for flakes.