Exploring the allure of barley coffee: A caffeine-free delight
Many people can't imagine their morning without a cup of coffee. However, instead of preparing the classic beverage again, why not try a tasty and healthy alternative?
Coffee comes in many forms, and I'm not just referring to variations with milk or sweet additives. Black coffee has been a staple in our homes for generations, while grain coffee is often given to children. It's worth giving some attention to barley coffee, which will enchant you not only with its taste but also with its properties. Even Italians drink it, calling it caffè d’orzo, so it's definitely worth stepping off the path of classic espresso now and then.
What is barley coffee?
As the name suggests, the base of this coffee is barley, or more precisely, its roasted and ground grains. Roasting gives them a characteristic aroma and darker colour, similar to classic coffee. Unlike the original, it does not contain caffeine, making it suitable for children, pregnant women, people with blood pressure issues, or those with sensitive stomachs.
Barley coffee has a mild, grainy taste with delicate notes of caramel and nuts. Its aroma is less intense than traditional coffee but still pleasant and distinctive. It does not have the bitterness typical of caffeinated coffee.
Properties of barley coffee
Barley is a good source of fibre, which aids digestion, prevents constipation, regulates blood sugar levels, and provides a feeling of fullness. This drink can help with stomach issues and a feeling of heaviness. Naturally, it can also support the process of weight loss.
In barley coffee, you'll also find minerals such as potassium, magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus, which are important for the proper functioning of the body. As a result, it supports the nervous system, muscle and heart function, helps reduce stress, helps regulate blood pressure, and strengthens immunity. Barley also contains antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which help combat free radicals and protect cells from damage, reducing the risk of chronic diseases. This type of coffee doesn't irritate the stomach lining like traditional coffee, due to the absence of caffeine and lower acidity.
How to brew barley coffee?
Barley coffee can be prepared in many ways. Traditionally, it's brewed with hot water, but it can also be boiled to bring out its full aroma. To diversify the flavour, it's worth adding spices like cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger. Barley coffee pairs excellently with milk or plant-based drinks, and on warmer days, it can be served as a cold drink with ice.
Barley coffee can also be used as an ingredient in the kitchen. Ground barley coffee can be added to chocolate cakes, gingerbread, pound cakes, and even sponge cakes. A strong barley coffee brew can serve as a base for creams, mousses, ganaches, or glazes. It can be an interesting ingredient in marinades for beef, pork, or poultry. The enzymes present in barley can gently tenderise meat, while the roasted aroma adds depth and complexity.
