Spring barley for malting that will go on to be the key ingredient of beer and for animal feed. Established in early spring, harvested during summer months.
The barley crop can be sown in either Autumn or spring, depending on the variety and the market the crop is being grown for. Barley is a grain crop that contains starch, proteins, vitamins and minerals. It originated in the Eastern Mediterranean region, it provides many health benefits and has a variety of purposes. It doesn’t take much energy or time, it grows quickly and it is rather cheap too. Like all whole grains, reduces blood pressure. However, other than that and being nice and nutritious, there are a few other traits and facts about spring barley. These include:
Barley is used for malt production, which is the main ingredient of whiskey and beer. Even Ancient Egyptians used barley for producing beer, and bread too. When it comes to producing barley, Russia takes the lead. Each year, Russia produces over sixteen tons of barley. Also, barley was considered one of the most important grains until the 16th century, and it was even used as currency.
Because of its nutritional value and its health benefits, barley is a crucial part of the human diet. It is used mostly in breakfast cereals or in the form of flour, and in the food industry it is used as soup thickener. Not just food for humans, more than fifty percent of globally produced barley is used as animal food. In Ancient Greece, barley was given to gladiators as a special food, believed to give them extra stamina and strength.
