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Barley Tea

This easy-to-make, caffeine-free barley tea offers a naturally sweet, toasty flavor and can be enjoyed hot or cold.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: East Asian
Calories: 45
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1/2 cup pearl barley
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 pinch sea salt optional

Equipment

  • heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
  • Kettle or pot
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • serving cups or teapot

Method
 

  1. Measure 1/2 cup pearl barley and rinse under cool running water for 30 seconds using a fine-mesh strainer.
  2. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat for 1 minute.
  3. Add the rinsed barley to the dry skillet and toast, stirring constantly for 8 to 10 minutes, until grains turn golden to medium brown and emit a toasty aroma.
  4. Transfer the toasted barley to a heat-safe bowl and let cool for 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Bring 4 cups of water to a rolling boil in a kettle or pot.
  6. Pour the boiling water over the cooled barley in a heatproof bowl or teapot and add a pinch of sea salt if desired.
  7. Allow the barley to steep in the hot water for 5 minutes to fully develop flavor.
  8. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth into cups or a pitcher, discarding the grains, and serve hot or let cool for iced tea.

Notes

Toast a larger batch of barley (2 to 3 cups) at once and store it in an airtight glass jar for up to three months to brew fresh tea quickly without the roasting step.