Barley is a major cereal grain. Hordeum vulgare, by its Latin name, is a member of the grass family and one of the first grains cultivated by man. There are three categories of barley: two-row, six-row and hull-less barley. Harvested grains are pale brown in color. Each grain has a bran husk that covers the germ inside. Barley is an important grain in the food industry, especially in the production of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. It is also used as animal feed. Half the barley production in the US becomes animal feed, while a quarter goes into alcoholic beverage production. Barley is the best suited grain for malting. Therefore, it is a key ingredient in beer and whiskey. As far as nonalcoholic beverages go, barley makes a great coffee substitute. Hulled barley has a rich, nutty flavor.
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