Two-Rowed Barley

Hordeum distichon

Physical Characteristics

Hordeum distichon is a ANNUAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Of uncertain origin, possibly a hybrid between H. spontaneum and a 6-rowed barley[34].

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Coffee Salt Sweetener Seed - cooked. The seed can be ground into a flour and used as a cereal in making bread, porridge etc[1, 4, 34, 46]. Malt is obtained by sprouting and roasting the seed, then boiling the seed. The resulting liquid is a sweet substance that is used in making beer and as a food[4, 46]. The longer the seed is roasted, the darker this liquid will be. The roasted (unsprouted) seed is used as a coffee and a salt substitute[46].

Medicinal Uses

Antidiarrhoeal Demulcent Nutritive Urinary Barley grain is an excellent food for convalescence, either in the form of porridge or as a decoction of the seed. It is soothing to the throat and provides easily assimilated nutrients[4, 254]. It can also be taken to clear catarrh. Its demulcent properties soothes inflammation of the gut and urinary tract[254]. It is commonly given to children suffering minor infections or diarrhoea and is particularly recommended as a treatment for feverish states and in catarrhal affections of the respiratory and urinary organs[4, 254]. Made into a poultice, the seed is an effective remedy for soothing and reducing inflammation in sores and swellings[254]. Modern research has shown that barley may be of aid in the treatment of hepatitis, whilst other trials have shown that it may help to control diabetes[254]. Barley bran may have the effect of lowering blood cholesterol levels and preventing bowel cancer[254].

Known Hazards

None known