What Are Job's Tears?
Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobi) is a plant that produces glossy, teardrop-shaped seeds. While the hard, wild variety is often used for decorative beads, the cultivated 'ma-yuen' type features a softer hull, making the grain inside edible. It is also widely referred to as coix seed, adlay, or hato mugi and is completely gluten-free. The cooked grain has a pleasantly chewy texture similar to pearl barley and a mildly sweet, earthy flavor.
Preparing Job's Tears for Cooking
Proper preparation is key to achieving the best results with job's tears. The process is straightforward and helps reduce cooking time significantly while ensuring a tender grain.
Rinsing and Soaking
- Rinse the job's tears under cool, running water using a fine-mesh sieve. This removes any dust or debris.
- Soaking is a crucial step. Place the rinsed job's tears in a bowl and cover with several inches of cool water. Leave them to soak for at least 3 hours, but ideally overnight, similar to preparing beans.
- After soaking, drain the water thoroughly before cooking.
Methods for Cooking Job's Tears
Job's tears can be cooked on the stovetop or with a rice cooker, much like other grains.
Stovetop Method
- Combine 1 cup of soaked and drained job's tears with 3 to 4 cups of water in a saucepan. You can also use broth for added flavor.
- Bring the liquid to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the grains are tender and chewy. They will not absorb all the water, unlike rice, so you will need to drain them afterward.
- Drain any excess liquid and use the cooked grains in your desired recipe.
Rice Cooker Method
- Place the soaked and drained job's tears in the rice cooker pot.
- Add fresh water using a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio (1 part tears to 3 or 4 parts water). You can adjust this for a firmer or softer texture.
- Turn on the rice cooker and allow it to cook. This method typically results in a softer grain and may take longer than a standard rice cycle.
Culinary Applications and Recipes
The versatility of job's tears allows them to be used in a wide variety of dishes.
Soup and Stew Enhancer
- Add cooked job's tears to broths and stews to add substance and a nutty flavor. Its chewy texture holds up well during simmering.
Refreshing Beverages
- In many Asian cultures, job's tears are boiled to create a refreshing, often sweetened, tea. The grains are sometimes ground into a powder to make a thick, milky beverage.
Delightful Desserts
- Combine cooked job's tears with sugar and coconut milk for a traditional Thai dessert.
Grain Bowls and Salads
- Use cooked and cooled job's tears as a base for hearty grain bowls or to add texture to salads.
Porridge and Breakfast Bowls
- Create a warm, comforting porridge by simmering job's tears with milk or water and your choice of sweetener and spices.
Job's Tears vs. Other Popular Grains
| Feature | Job's Tears (Adlay) | Pearl Barley | Quinoa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gluten Content | Gluten-free | Contains gluten | Gluten-free |
| Texture | Chewy, like hominy | Chewy, but smaller | Light, fluffy |
| Cooking Time | Long (45-60 min), shorter with soaking | Medium (25-40 min) | Short (15-20 min) |
| Flavor | Mildly sweet, earthy, nutty | Nutty, slightly sweet | Nutty, earthy |
| Best For | Soups, beverages, salads, desserts | Soups, stews, risottos | Salads, bowls, side dish |
Health and Skincare Benefits
Beyond its culinary uses, job's tears is valued for its nutritional and therapeutic properties.
Nutritional Advantages
- High Protein and Fiber: Job's tears offer a higher protein content than many other cereals like rice and wheat, along with valuable dietary fiber.
- Vitamins and Minerals: It contains essential nutrients, including B vitamins, calcium, and iron.
- Digestive and Spleen Support: Traditional Chinese Medicine uses job's tears to strengthen the spleen and improve digestion.
Traditional Uses and Research
- Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant: Research indicates that job's tears possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Cholesterol and Weight Management: Studies suggest that its high fiber content may help lower cholesterol and aid in weight management.
Skincare Applications
- Brightening and Anti-Aging: Job's tears extract, often called adlay extract, is a popular ingredient in skincare for its ability to moisturize, reduce pigmentation, and protect against free-radical damage.
- Acne and Sebum Control: It has been shown to help calm acne breakouts and control excess sebum production, leading to clearer skin.
Conclusion
From a savory soup ingredient to a skin-brightening extract, job's tears offers a remarkable blend of culinary and wellness benefits. Its simple preparation, coupled with its delicious, chewy texture, makes it an easy and healthful addition to any diet. By exploring these various methods of how to consume job's tears, you can enjoy a versatile and nutritious grain that has stood the test of time.
Safety Considerations
While generally safe, pregnant women are often advised to moderate their intake of job's tears due to its potential to induce uterine contractions. As with any dietary change, consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication, particularly for diabetes, as job's tears may affect blood sugar levels.
For more detailed scientific information on the health-promoting effects of Job's Tears, refer to this comprehensive review: Phytochemistry and health promoting effects of Job’s tears (Coix lacryma-jobi)—A critical review.
