Plant researchers at Oregon State University Barley World (yes that’s the real name) are working to reintroduce eaters to naked barley. Varieties that easily shed their tough outer hull, naked barleys have been around forever, but not widely cultivated as a food crop. As the importance of whole grains to the microbiome becomes more evident, naked barley has drawn attention as a good local option.
Our organic Streaker Barley comes from De Armond Road Farm in Monmouth, Oregon (those wacky barley growers love puns, another strain is called Buck Naked Barley). It’s great for breakfast, but you can use it anywhere you might use rolled oats (including cookies! Mmmm, cookies).