While oatmeal and quinoa have both had their moments, barley has yet to get the credit it deserves — even though the cereal grain has been cultivated for thousands of years. Boasting a hearty, nutty ...

Hulled barley is the traditional variety, with its tough hull removed but bran kept intact. And pearled barley has been polished to remove both the hull and bran layers.

Hulled barley: This is the whole-grain version of barley that has only the outer, inedible hull removed. It’s chewier and takes longer to cook, compared to other types of barley.

Barley is a whole grain and a rich source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Learn more about barley’s health benefits, and how to prepare and serve it, here.

Hulled barley undergoes minimal processing. Only the inedible outer shell is removed, leaving the germ and bran intact. Meanwhile, pearled barley doesn’t contain the hull or bran.

Pearled barley is the more common of the two, and typically takes 25 to 30 minutes to cook, while hulled barley may take up to an hour. Barley is packed with fiber and more.

Hulled barley is the traditional variety, with its tough hull removed but bran kept intact. And pearled barley has been polished to remove both the hull and bran layers.

For blood sugar management, opt for whole-grain barley—also called hulled barley—which is higher in fiber and essential nutrients. More in Health. Are you a Cancer?

Easier for farmers to process and healthier than its hulled counterpart, naked barley is being studied at Oregon State University thanks in part to a $3.5 million grant.

Barley and Black Bean Salad With Pickled Vegetables. 2 to 4 servings (makes about 6 cups) Total time: 20 mins. This barley and black bean salad shows that the humble grain can shine in more than soup.