Barley Tea, or 'Boricha' as it’s called in Korean, is a special drink that brings a rich, nutty flavor right to your cup. It’s made simply with roasted barley and water, and has become one of my go-to drinks. It's a popular choice in Korea, enjoyed both warm and chilly, perfect for any weather. In Japan, it’s famous for its cooling properties during the hot summers.
What You’ll Find On This Page
Let me also introduce you to Barley Water, a soothing and nutritious drink that I love adding to my daily routine. It’s just as simple to make and fits beautifully into our collection of healthy beverages. Note that even though the word tea in the recipe, there is no traditional tea being used in it.
Barley Tea is more than just a drink; it's a daily habit that brings health benefits without caffeine. Whether it's a cool morning or a warm evening, this comforting, caffeine-free beverage is a simple, healthy choice for everyday. Just a quick note: even though we call it "tea," there’s actually no traditional tea in this recipe.
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Ingredients Overview
To make this comforting and refreshing drink, you only need two simple ingredients: barley and water.
- Barley Kernels: Here, you've got a couple of choices. You can roast the barley yourself using the recipe I'll share with you, or you can opt for pre-roasted barley or convenient barley tea bags, both commonly found in Korean food markets.
- Water: To boil the barley, use clean, filtered water to ensure the best quality and flavor of your tea.
How to Make Barley Tea Home?
Making Barley Tea is straightforward, and our visual guide makes it even easier. Take a look at the photos and video below to see just how simple it is to prepare this delightful beverage. Follow along and you'll be enjoying a cup of Barley Tea in no time!
Discover More Healthy Drinks:
- Hibiscus Tea
- Turmeric Tea
- Ginger Tea
- Ginger Shots
- Turmeric Shots
- Celery Juice
- Lemon Ginger Tea
- Mint Tea
Barley Tea (Boricha)
Ingredients
- 2 cups Filtered Water
- 2 tbsp Barley, whole kernels
- Ice Cubes, as needed
Instructions
Preparing Barley Tea
- Place barley kernels in a pan over medium heat. Roast them until they turn dark brown, which brings out their nutty flavor. Once done, set them aside.
- Fill a saucepan with water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the roasted barley to the boiling water. Let it boil for 3-5 minutes to infuse the water with the barley flavor.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and allow the tea to steep for another 2-3 minutes. This step helps deepen the flavor.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Your Barley Tea is now ready to be enjoyed. Serve it hot, or let it cool and enjoy as a refreshing cold beverage.
Serving
- You can enjoy this Barley Tea either hot or iced. Serve it immediately if you prefer a warm, comforting sip!
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Maximize the Flavor & Customize the Strength: For the best flavor, roast the barley until it reaches a deep, dark brown. This roasting not only enhances the rich, nutty flavor but also improves the tea's aroma. If you prefer your tea with a bit more punch, simply extend the roasting time a little longer. This will develop a bolder, more robust flavor that's especially enjoyable when served hot.
- Iced Barley Tea: For a refreshing drink on a hot day, steep your tea and then chill it in the fridge for 1 to 2 hours. It's perfect for cooling down.
- Eco-Friendly Tip: Instead of throwing away leftover cooked barley, use it to add a nutritious boost to salads, soups, or enjoy it as a hearty side dish. It’s a great way to reduce food waste and repurpose leftovers in delicious ways.
- Enjoy Anytime: Since barley tea is caffeine-free, you can enjoy it at any time of day. It's a healthy alternative to water or caffeinated teas, keeping you hydrated without affecting your sleep.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Barley Tea is perfect whether you prefer it cold or warmed up, fitting seamlessly into any part of your day. Just store it in the fridge, and it stays fresh for up to two days, ready for a refreshing sip or a comforting warm cup whenever you need it.
How to Make Barley Water?
Have you ever wondered what the difference is between Barley Water and Barley Tea? It's all in the preparation! Barley Tea is made by roasting the grains until they're richly browned, while Barley Water is simply made by cooking barley kernels until they're soft.
Both drinks are famous throughout Asia for their detoxifying properties, and making Barley Water at home is a fantastic and healthy choice. Typically, it's enjoyed plain, but you can easily enhance it with ginger, lemon juice, or a dash of pepper for extra flavor. Let's see how to make your own Barley Water.
- Wash the Grains: Start by thoroughly rinsing your barley grains to remove any dust particles. I recommend using hulled or pearl barley for the best results.
- Soak the Barley: Soak the grains in water for at least 5 hours to soften them up. For every cup of barley, use 3 to 4 cups of water.
- Cook the Grains: In a pot, cook the soaked barley until it becomes mushy. Feel free to use the same water you soaked the grains in. If you're using a pressure cooker, maintain a 1:3 grain-to-water ratio. For cooking in a regular pot, a 1:4 ratio works well.
- Strain and Serve: Once the grains are fully cooked, strain the water. You can enjoy Barley Water hot or cold, depending on your preference. Flavor it up with a squeeze of lemon juice, a slice of ginger, or a sprinkle of pepper. Don't forget that the leftover cooked barley makes a nutritious addition to salads, soups, or can be enjoyed right alongside your drink.
Enjoy this refreshing and healthful drink, perfect for detoxification and hydration!
Benefits of Barley Tea
Korean Barley Tea isn’t just a caffeine-free alternative; it’s also packed with benefits that support a healthy lifestyle. Here’s what makes barley so good for you, according to Healthline:
- Helps with Weight Management: Barley is low in calories, which helps if you’re trying to watch your weight. It keeps you feeling full longer, so you’re less likely to snack between meals.
- Loaded with Antioxidants: Barley is rich in antioxidants that promote a healthy heart, boost brain function, and improve blood circulation. It’s a great way to keep your body feeling and functioning at its best.
- Supports Digestion: If you often feel bloated or uncomfortable after meals, barley might help. It aids digestion, helping to smooth out any digestive discomfort.
Just like with any food or drink, if you have specific health needs or dietary preferences, it’s a good idea to check with a healthcare professional before adding barley tea or water to your diet. They can help make sure it’s the right choice for your health.
Sahar Hosny says
Hi,
After having my tea, what should I do with the roasted barley kernels?
Can I use it for other recipes like salad or soup?
Sangeetha Vel says
Hi Sahar,
Yes, you can use the leftover cooked barley in salad or soup. Even though I did mention that in the post, it is not listed under tips. I will update the post to make it more visible.
Thanks for asking!