Culinary Q and A

Q:  Is barley considered whole grain?

A: Yes, certain forms of barley are whole grain.  These include “hulled” and “hulless” barley.  Hulled barley refers to kernels in which only the tough inedible outer hulls are removed.  The remaining kernels retain the bran layer, germ and endosperm, making them whole grain.  “Hulless” barley refers to a type of barley in which the tough inedible outer hulls are loosely adhered to the kernels.  When hulless barley is harvested, most of the tough outer hulls fall off.  The remaining kernels require very little cleaning, again leaving the bran, germ and endosperm intact.  Whole grain barley is available in kernel, flake and flour form.