BARLEY- THE WONDERFUL GRAIN!

SEVEN BIBLE FOODS : PART - II

BARLEY IS ONE OF THE WORLD'S LEADING GRAIN CROPS, GROWN SINCE BIBLICAL TIMES.

The Bible makes many references to barley.

It was one of the earliest known nourishing grains cultivated.Some scholars believ that the Feast of Unleavened Bread was an ancient barley festival. Experts in Bible history say that barley was a staple food for the masses. The fact that barley was mentioned so often shows that the people of that day consumed large quantities of the grain and that it played a vital role in their health.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

BARLEY is a high-protein grain.Barley contains beta glucans, which help our immune system.It is high in fiber and in vitamin B. Barley is being researched for its ability to help alleviate diabetes, high cholesterol, and obesity.Some evidence suggests that barley in the diet may improve blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes, possibly because the fiber in barley seeds delays stomach emptying and slows down the absorption of carbohydrates from foods. Like oatmeal, barley seeds contain both soluble and insoluble types of fiber that may help to lower cholesterol.Studies have shown that individuals with barley in their diet experienced reductions in their total cholesterol, LDL - the bad cholesterol, or triglyceride levels.

HOW TO MAKE USE OF IT:

The best barley is WHOLE BARLEY. It is often used in bread,soup, stew and hot cereal.

You can prepare bread with barley by grinding the grain and then adding wheat, millet and spelt, if you choose.

OR

If you don't have the time to make it yourself, Some healt food stores have bread with barley already prepared, so you can buy it ready-made.

ORTry this recipe out:
Barley salad with tofu, walnuts and cilantro in a lemon-garlic vinaigrette.

LIST OF INGREDIENTS:
1.1/2 cup cooked barley
2.1/2 cup crumbled tofu
3.1/4 cup walnuts
4.1 tablespoon lime juice
5.2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
6.1/4 cup finely chopped onion
7.1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
8.few lemon zest
9.finely chopped cilantro
10.salt and fresh ground pepper

PROCEDURE:
1.Cook the barley until tender ( do not over cook ).
2.Dry roast the walnuts in a pan, when cool chop finely and keep aside.
3.In another pan heat a teaspoon of oil and add the crumbled tofu and saute for about 5 minutes and set aside.
4.In a mixing bowl, whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, chopped onion, garlic, lemon zest, salt and pepper.
5.Add the cooked barley, tofu and cilantro. Toss gently, add the toasted walnuts and serve it with a cup of fresh-brewed coffee is perfect for a cool fall night.

Note: Prophet Ezekial lived on bread made from barley (Refer Ezekial 4:9). Now its upto you to consider this wonderful grain. HAVE A BARLEY DAY !!!