What Does Barley Tea Taste Like?
Barley tea has a toasty, nutty and slightly bitter flavor. Some people compare it to coffee – in fact, it’s often the main ingredient of commercially produced cereal coffee. It’s often served hot, but can also be enjoyed cold on a hot day.
Mugicha – Japanese Barley Tea
In Japan, barley tea is called mugicha. Kids and adults alike enjoy it as a cold summer drink. It’s made by roasting barley grains and then cold-brewing them. The barley grains are strained out before serving with ice.
Boricha – Korean Barley Tea
In Korea, barley tea is called boricha. It’s made similarly to Japanese barley tea if served cold, but it’s also common to boil barley grains in water before straining and serving hot. In many homes and restaurants, boricha is the main beverage served alongside meals, rather than water.
Health Benefits of Mugicha and Boricha
Barley tea is a healthy drink choice, as barley grains are rich in fiber and contain beneficial plant compounds. One study found that barley tea can help improve cholesterol levels and blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. These benefits are due to the rich tocotrienol and magnesium content in barley.
It’s also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect against damage from free radicals and fight inflammation. So if you’re looking for a nutrient-rich tea to add to your daily routine, barley tea is a great choice.
How to Make Barley Tea at Home
Making barley tea at home is easy – all you need are barley grains and water. You can find pre-roasted barley grains in Asian or health food stores, or online. Barley tea bags are also available, but we’ll stick to the loose-grain version.
- First, roast the barley grains on a dry skillet until they turn a dark brown color and give off a toasty aroma (if they’re raw).
- Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a pot.
- Add 3 tablespoons of roasted barley in a tea strainer.
- Let it boil for about 5 minutes on low heat, then remove the pot from the heat and strain out the barley grains.
- Cool the pot down a little before serving the tea hot or refrigerating for a refreshing cold barley tea.
- Enjoy your homemade barley tea on its own, or add a dash of honey or lemon for extra flavor.
Make a batch to keep in the fridge for easy access to this healthy drink all week long. You won’t be able to resist its delicious flavor!
Is Roasted Barley Tea Caffeine Free?
Since barley tea is made from barley grains and not the tea plant, it does not contain caffeine. Enjoy a cup of barley tea anytime without the caffeine jitters. Thanks to it being caffeine-free, it’s also a great option for children and pregnant women.
How Much Barley Tea Can You Drink in a Day?
There isn’t a limit on how much barley tea you can drink in a day, but it’s always important to listen to your body’s needs. In theory, you could replace all your water intake with barley tea and still stay hydrated.
However, barley is rich in potassium. Consuming too much potassium could lead to low sodium levels, so be sure to also include other beverages in your daily diet. Symptoms of low sodium are headaches, dizziness, and nausea.
You can drink up to 2 liters (0.5 gallon) of barley tea per day if you add a pinch of salt to it. It will become a homemade isotonic drink, perfect for post-workout hydration.
Does Barley Tea Stain Teeth?
Drinking barley tea may contribute to yellowing and staining of the teeth, just like any other dark colored beverage. To answer the question: Why are my teeth yellow when I brush them every day? visit: https://dentisthelps.com/why-are-my-teeth-yellow-when-i-brush-them-everyday You can brush your teeth after enjoying barley tea to prevent staining. On the other hand, drinking this tea regularly can have dental benefits. It prevents bacteria from sticking to teeth and helps maintain oral health. So keep sipping on barley tea for a healthy smile!
Is Barley Tea Gluten-Free?
Barley contains gluten, so barley tea made with barley grains is not gluten-free. If you have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, barley tea is not a suitable choice.
We recommend rooibos tea if you’re looking for a caffeine-free option without gluten. It also has an earthy flavor similar to barley. Roasted corn tea is also an option for the Asia-loving folks! It’s known as oksusu cha in Korea.
Does Barley Tea Have Calories?
One cup of barley tea made from barley grains, the way described earlier, has next to no calories. Even if you drink a lot of barley tea throughout the day, it won’t significantly contribute to your caloric intake. However, be cautious about adding extra ingredients like honey or milk, as these will add calories to the beverage. Enjoy barley tea on its own for a calorie-free drink.
Final Thoughts
Barley tea is a delicious and healthy option for tea drinkers, with its toasty flavor and antioxidant properties. Enjoy this popular drink hot and cold as a refreshing alternative to your usual morning beverage, or as a healthy afternoon pick-me-up. Savor the toasty flavor and the potential health benefits of this delicious drink. Happy brewing!
Have you tried barley tea before? Let us know in the comments: what is your favorite way to enjoy it?
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