Barley Groats - Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, Preparation Methods
Felix Weber
2026-03-20
5 min. read
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Barley groats are one of the most popular grains in Poland. They can be used to prepare many delicious dishes and also make an excellent addition to thick soups and meatballs. Barley groats are extremely rich in nutrients such as fiber, phytonutrients, vitamins and microelements, which have a positive impact on our health. Therefore, it is worth incorporating them into our daily diet.
Varieties of Barley Cassa Types
Barley cassa is a type of cassa made from ordinary barley grains. According to the prevailing standards in Poland, it should have a light yellowish hue and be distinguished by a certain aroma and flavor. Barley cassa can be divided into several varieties, including: barley cassa, which is whole grain without shell, ground barley cassa (kujawski), which is whole grain without shell, ground and polished, crushed barley cassa (rural), which is made from cleaned and chopped grains, pearl cassa (Mazurian), which is made from crushed barley cassa and additionally polished, and roasted pearl cassa. The most popular of all the mentioned varieties is the pearl cassa (Mazurian), but the Pęczak is still considered an inferior product, although the whole grains of the Pęczak are the raw material for the production of the other cassa varieties and also have the highest nutritional value.
The nutritional attributes of barley
Barley is a product with very good nutritional attributes. In 100 g of this product, there are among others: - 354 kcal, - 12.48 g protein, - 2.30 g fat, - 73.48 g carbohydrates, - 17.30 g fiber. Barley is also an excellent source of mineral and vitamin ingredients: - calcium - 33.00 mg/100 g, - iron - 3.60 mg/100 g, - magnesium - 133.00 mg/100 g, - phosphorus - 264.00 mg/100 g, - potassium - 452.00 mg/100 g, - sodium - 12.00 mg/100 g, - zinc - 2.77 mg/100 g, - vitamin B1 - 0.646 mg/100 g, - vitamin B2 - 0.285 mg/100 g, - vitamin B3 - 4.604 mg/100 g, - vitamin B6 - 0.318 mg/100 g, - folic acid - 19.00 µg/100 g, - vitamin A - 22.00 IU/100 g, - vitamin K - 2.2 µg/100 g. Regardless of the type of barley, each of them is an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber in water. It can also contain phytochemicals that are responsible for lowering cholesterol levels in the blood. To maintain the best nutritional properties of barley, its storage time should not exceed 9 months. Barley is a source of gluten, so people who do not tolerate this component should take it into account.
Health benefits for the body associated with consuming barley beans
Ingesting peas derived from barley grains has numerous health benefits for the body. Specifically, peas: improve digestive system function, support proper gallbladder functioning, strengthen stomach activity, enhance memory and concentration due to high B-vitamin content, are filling and quickly satiate, exhibit anticarcinogenic properties, contain abundant antioxidants that aid in the removal of free radicals from the body, thereby improving the appearance of skin, hair, and nails, bind heavy metal ions in the intestines due to their high fiber content, assist in the removal of LDL cholesterol fractions through the presence of fiber and niacin, support blood platelet production, thus preventing anemia, strengthen nervous system function, aid in treating constipation and diseases associated with digestive tract disorders, provide energy due to starch content, support the fight against heart disease and atherosclerosis, fortify the skeletal system due to high calcium content, positively influence blood clotting processes due to the presence of vitamin K, and prevent the development of blood clots, bruises, and hematomas.
A method for preparing barley
It should be avoided to cook the cassava in large quantities of water as all the mineral ingredients and vitamins go into the water, which is then drained off. Without doubt, the healthiest and most delicious solution is to cook it in a suitable amount of water until it is fully absorbed by the casse. A glass of lentil casse should be rinsed out at once. In the pot, boil two and a half glasses of salted water with a spoonful of oil. Then, add the rinsed casse to the water and cook it under a small fire for about 20 minutes. Check from time to time if the casse has already absorbed all the water, the cooking time may be slightly longer or shorter. Avoid stirring during the cooking process. When the casse has absorbed all the water, it is worth leaving it for a few minutes to rest. The exception is the puff casse. During its cooking, proceed similarly, but for one glass of casse, there are three glasses of water.
The application of pearl barley
Pearl barley is an excellent addition to hearty dishes and pairs well with goulash, mushroom sauce, and various meats. It can also be used as a filling for dumplings or cabbage rolls. One of the most popular dishes prepared on its basis is krupnik. Due to its mild nutty flavor, pearl barley pairs well with traditional Polish dishes, as well as modern ones like kaszotto. However, it is important to prepare pearl barley properly to retain its nutritional value. Increasingly, pearl barley is also appreciated by those who want to lose weight. A balanced diet with pearl barley can lead to desired results.
Prohibitions concerning the consumption of barley groats
Unfortunately, there are also a group of people who should not consume barley groats. They include: – people suffering from celiac disease and gluten intolerance, – those with stomach ulcers, 12 year olds and gastrointestinal reflux, mainly due to the fact that barley groats contain high levels of phosphorus, sulphur and chlorine, – individuals with cancer who should avoid fatty and hard-to-digest dishes with barley groats, – small children, as negative symptoms may occur that their digestive system may not be able to handle.
