Barley honey is a natural sweetener that is made from barley grains. It has a rich, nutty flavor and a thick, syrupy texture. It is not only delicious but also nutritious. Barley honey is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that provide numerous health benefits. In this blog post, we will share with you a simple recipe for making barley honey at home.
Ingredients
To make barley honey, you will need the following ingredients:
1 cup whole barley grains
4 cups water
2 cups honey
1 cinnamon stick
1 vanilla bean
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Optional Ingredients
Lemon juice (1/4 cup)
Ginger (1 tablespoon, grated)
Orange zest (1 tablespoon)
Instructions
1. Rinse the barley grains under running water and drain them. 2. Add the barley grains and water to a pot and bring to a boil. 3. Reduce the heat to low and let the barley simmer for 30 minutes. 4. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool. 5. Strain the barley water through a fine-mesh strainer into another pot. 6. Add the honey, cinnamon stick, vanilla bean, and sea salt to the pot. 7. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. 8. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 9. If you want to add optional ingredients, do it now. 10. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool. 11. Pour the barley honey into a sterilized glass jar and store it in the fridge.
Nutrition
Barley honey is a healthy alternative to processed sugar. It contains vitamins B and C, iron, calcium, and magnesium. It is also a good source of antioxidants that protect the body against free radicals. However, it is important to note that barley honey is still a sweetener and should be consumed in moderation.
Conclusion
Barley honey is a delicious and healthy alternative to regular honey or sugar. It is easy to make at home and can be customized with optional ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you use it as a sweetener for your tea or as a topping for your pancakes, barley honey is a must-try for anyone looking to add more natural sweetness to their diet.