On Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at 9:36:36 AM UTC-7, Jill McQuown wrote:
> The barley for the pilaf I had planned for Christmas dinner was not the
> barley I am used to.
>
> I haven't been able to find *pearl* barley for years. When I was doing
> my holiday shopping I was looking for it. I thought since they just
> built this big huge new Publix they might actually stock more stuff, not
> less.
>
> They have a huge selection of grains and stuff. Quinoa, wheat bran,
> whatever. Barley? Hmmm... instant (barley flakes... that might work
> for thickening a soup but sorry, not for pilaf.)
>
> I spotted a bag of Bob's Red Mill hulled barley (barley groats). It was
> the only barley I could find other than instant. So okay, I'll give it
> a try. I knew it would be different.
>
> It tastes fine. Quite nice, actually. It takes thrice as long to cook
> as pearl barley. It has a chewy texture. That's okay; I have teeth. <G>
>
> The extra long cooking time puts me off. The label describes using it
> as a "side dish". Yeah, sure... but you have to simmer that side dish
> (1 cup barley, 3-1/2 cups liquid) for more than 1-1/2 hours. Heh.
>
> What I'm really wondering is why I can't find pearl barley. It's as if
> the grain aisle has been taken over by health food hippies.
>
> Sometimes you just want what you want.
>
> Jill

You scared me! I love barley. My beef stews and beef soups are loaded with barley. I eat meat, but not as much anymore, so I make a beef stew that is lots of veg and barley and less beef. Anyway, I was just at the grocery, and the King Soopers has pearled barley Kroger brand. Small bag, not the larger bags that I prefer. I had not bought any for a while cause when I do buy it, I usually buy a bunch.

Keep your eyes open and you will find some.

DaleP