Barley Flavored Tea: An Interesting New Drink with Added Health Benefits

If you’re looking for something new to drink, then try barley flavored tea.  In fact it’s the tea of choice for many Koreans and is also popular in Japan.  In Korea, this tea is usually served cold as a refreshing summer beverage, whereas it can be obtained all year round in Japan where it is enjoyed either hot or cold. In fact, you can buy tea bags with barley in very easily in Japan - even from vending machines. The main difference is that in Korea the whole barley (with the hull) is usually roasted for the tea and sometimes roasted corn infusion is added. This is because barley has a slight bitter flavor and the corn gives the drink some sweetness to offset the bitterness. This tea is orange in color with a mellow taste and a light earthy flavor. Also it doesn't contain caffeine, so no wonder it is prized as a healthy choice.

Barley tea is also very good for you.  It has alkyplyrazine in it which helps improve your blood fluidity if taken on a regular basis.  It is also said to help digestion, possibly aids weight loss with a possible cancer prevention effect.  As a grain tea, it has no caffeine.  It actually tastes good hot or cold and the taste can be improved if you leave it in the fridge.  Mugi-cha, as it is called in Japan, is a favorite on hot summer days.  You can try it iced and also add other herbal or fruit teas for a unique taste. 

The barley for tea is first sprouted and then roasted to bring out its flavor.  You will also find roasted barley in 'grain coffee' which some people drink as a healthy alternative to real coffee. If you want to make barley tea from scratch, roast the barley until the grains turn brown, keep stirring them so all the grains are even in color. Next boil a litre of water and add three tablespoon the the roasted barley. Let this steep for three to five minutes and then let it cool for a few minutes. Strain and serve.

You can find lots of information about this tea online as well as finding the best quality and price to have it delivered to your door.

So if you want something special for yourself or your family or guests, try sampling some barley tea.  It has a great flavor and is full of health benefits.