Barley water

Barley water is a traditional drink consumed in various parts of the world. It is made by boiling barley grains in water, then (usually) straining to remove the grains, and possibly adding other ingredients such as sugar.

Barley water has been used as a first baby food, before feeding with barley mush. It is also used as a home treatment that allegedly cures cystitis.

The following nutritional tables are from an analysis performed on a British-style barley water recipe. Nutrients listed are for one serving of 299g. Prepared from pearl barley, lemon juice and honey, it contains 11 grams of honey and the juice of a quarter of a lemon, per serve. The proportion of major nutrients was found to be: carbohydrates, 89%; fats, 3%; protein, 8%. This version of barley water was analysed as a "good" source of fibre and vitamin C.