Pearl Barley

To make it edible for human consumption, barley must first have its tough, fibrous outer hull removed. Removing just the outer hull, but leaving the bran intact, gives a form known as hulled barley. Pearl barley, also called pearled barley, has been polished to remove the bran layer as well, so it has less fibre than hulled barley. Hulled barley has a more nutty flavour and chewy texture than pearl barley, which is paler in colour, and has a shorter cooking time.