Barley tea, also known as mugicha in Japan, has been treasured in East Asia for centuries. One of the most popular grain teas, barley tea is distinguished by its nutty flavor, toasted aroma, and slightly bitter undertone. It can be enjoyed hot or cold and is an enjoyable treat in all seasons, though iced barley tea is highly popular as a summertime refreshment in Japan.
Barley, pearl barley, and malted barley – what’s the difference?
So why all this talk about barley tea? Barley, pearl barley, and malted barley are three of the sixteen ingredients in Juroku Cha’s original tea brew. And yes, there are different types of barley. Barley is an ancient grain that has been used in food cultures all over the world to make tea, bread, stews, soups, salads, fermented foods, and alcoholic beverages. As a part of so many different cuisines, it is versatile and easy to incorporate in your diet. The term “barley” is commonly used to refer to all varieties in the barley grain family. Pearl barley is the form of barley most consumed by humans. It forms when unhulled barley is polished to remove the inedible bran layer, revealing a smooth texture. Malted barley is essentially sprouted barley, which forms when barley germinates after being soaked in water. This malting process helps to further unlock the grain’s nutritional power and release its enzymes.
Benefits of barley tea
When consumed in tea form, barley can prove to be part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Let’s take a look at its benefits below.
1. Great companion during weight loss
If you’re looking to shed a few pounds, barley tea can be an excellent aid in your weight loss journey. It has flavor but it’s sugar-free and very low in calories, which makes it a great alternative to tempting sugary drinks like juice and soda. This also makes barley tea suitable for diabetics who are watching their blood sugar levels.
2. Promotes sleep
Barley tea is also caffeine-free, which means it can be sipped safely any time of day without the unwanted side effects of caffeine. More on that here. Also, Barley is generally said to contain two substances that help you sleep better: tryptophan and melatonin.
3. Improves digestion
Barley is rich in dietary fiber, and when brewed as tea it can help regulate bowel movements, reduce bloating, and ease constipation. Malted barley is especially useful in Traditional Chinese Medicine, as it contains proteolytic enzymes that help break down and digest proteins.
4. Perfect in hot weather
Barley tea is considered a cooling “yin” drink, which means it can help bring down your core body temperature. No wonder it is a go-to on hot, humid summer days in Japan.
As with all teas, it’s important to understand that barley tea isn’t a cure-all panacea with immediate effects, but integrating it into your lifestyle can support your wellness journey.
Curious about Juroku Cha’s other ingredients? Keep a lookout for upcoming blogs in our Ingredients Series!
Eager to give Juroku Cha a try? You can find it on Amazon.