Your Guide to Finding Quick-Cooking Barley
Quick-cooking barley offers a time-saving alternative to traditional pearled or hulled barley, making it an excellent addition to soups, salads, and side dishes. Unlike standard pearled barley, which can take up to 45 minutes to cook, the quick variety is pre-processed to ensure it's table-ready in a fraction of the time. Here is a comprehensive overview of where to find it.
In-Store Supermarket Locations
Most major grocery chains carry quick-cooking barley, though its exact location can vary by store layout. Knowing which aisle to check first will save you valuable shopping time.
- The Cereal and Hot Cereal Aisle: This is one of the most common spots, especially for brands like Quaker. Look near the oatmeal, grits, and other fast-cooking breakfast grains. In some supermarkets, Quaker Quick Barley might be found in Aisle 2, section 23, as noted by Hannaford.
- The Rice, Grains, and Beans Aisle: Often labeled as "Grains, Beans & Rice" or a similar term, this aisle is another prime location. You will find it alongside other dry grains like couscous, farro, quinoa, and lentils. Check the higher shelves or a designated 'natural' or 'whole foods' section within the same aisle.
- Bulk Foods Section: Some stores with a bulk food area, such as certain Whole Foods Market locations, may offer quick-cooking barley. This is a great option for purchasing exactly the amount you need and may also offer a price advantage.
Online Retailers for Quick-Cooking Barley
For ultimate convenience, ordering quick-cooking barley online is a reliable option. Many major e-commerce platforms and online grocery delivery services stock it.
- Amazon: A dependable source, Amazon offers quick-cooking barley from brands like Quaker and Mother's, with options for purchasing single boxes or in bulk. Services like Amazon Fresh often have it available for fast delivery as well.
- Walmart: Walmart's website and app carry Quaker Quick Pearled Barley, allowing you to check for in-store availability or have it shipped to your home.
- Online Grocery Delivery Services: Services like Uber Eats and Voila (Sobeys in Canada) offer quick cooking barley for delivery, saving you a trip to the store. This is especially convenient for last-minute meal planning.
Key Brands to Look For
Several brands produce quick-cooking barley. Keeping an eye out for these names can speed up your search.
- Quaker: One of the most widely available brands for quick-cooking grains, Quaker's Quick Barley is a popular choice and is often stocked in the breakfast cereal or grain aisle.
- Mother's: This brand also produces a quick-cooking barley product, which is distributed by Quaker Oats and is readily available through various online retailers and some grocery stores.
- Snappy Grains: For a Canadian-grown, whole-grain option, Snappy Grains offers a quick-cooking hull-less barley.
- Compliments (Canada): The store-brand "Compliments Naturally Simple" offers a quick cook barley for those shopping at Sobeys-owned retailers.
The Difference Between Barley Types and Their Cook Times
Understanding the different types of barley is crucial when trying to find a quick-cooking version. Not all barley is the same, and the packaging is your most important guide.
| Barley Type | Description | Average Cooking Time | Where to Find | Quick-Cooking Availability? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quick-Cooking Barley | Partially pre-cooked and dried, typically made from pearled barley flakes. | 10–15 minutes | Grain or cereal aisle, online retailers. | Yes |
| Pearl Barley | The most common variety, with the outer hull and bran partially or fully removed. | 25–30 minutes on the stovetop | Grain or beans aisle, bulk bins. | No, unless labeled as 'Quick Cook'. |
| Hulled Barley | Whole grain, only the outer husk is removed. Retains more fiber and nutrients. | 40–50 minutes or longer | Health food section, specialty stores, bulk bins. | No |
Finding a Substitutions for Quick-Cooking Barley
If you cannot find quick-cooking barley, a couple of simple substitutions can work in a pinch.
- Regular Pearled Barley: While it takes longer to cook, you can use standard pearled barley in most recipes. Just be sure to allot extra time for cooking, typically about 25-30 minutes for a tender, chewy result.
- Instant Pot Method for Pearled Barley: For speed, using a pressure cooker like an Instant Pot can significantly reduce the cooking time for regular pearled barley to about 20 minutes. Some recipes suggest 20 minutes on high pressure with a quick release.
- Pre-Cook and Reheat: You can cook a batch of pearled barley ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze it for up to a month, to have it ready for quick meal additions.
Conclusion
Finding quick-cooking barley is achievable with a little knowledge of where to look. Checking the cereal or grains aisle of major supermarkets like Walmart and Kroger, and exploring online retailers such as Amazon and Uber Eats are your best bets. Look for specific brands like Quaker Quick Barley and Mother's Quick Cooking Barley to speed up your search. Understanding the difference between quick-cooking, pearled, and hulled varieties ensures you select the correct grain for your desired cook time. With these tips, you'll be able to easily locate and incorporate this convenient and nutritious grain into your meal prep routine.
Optional Outbound Link: For additional information on barley varieties and nutrition, visit the Whole Grains Council website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is quick-cooking barley?
A: Quick-cooking barley is a type of pearled barley that has been partially cooked and then dried, usually rolled into flakes, which dramatically reduces its preparation time compared to regular varieties.
Q: Is quick-cooking barley a whole grain?
A: Most commercially available quick-cooking barley is made from pearled barley, meaning some or all of the outer bran layer has been removed, so it is not considered a whole grain.
Q: What aisle is quick-cooking barley in at the grocery store?
A: Look for quick-cooking barley in the cereal aisle next to the oatmeal, or in the aisle with other grains, rice, and beans.
Q: Can I buy quick-cooking barley online?
A: Yes, it is widely available online from retailers such as Amazon, Walmart's website, and online grocery delivery services like Uber Eats.
Q: What brands make quick-cooking barley?
A: Some well-known brands that produce quick-cooking barley include Quaker, Mother's, and Snappy Grains.
Q: How long does quick-cooking barley take to cook?
A: Quick-cooking barley typically cooks in about 10 to 15 minutes on the stovetop.
Q: Can I use regular pearl barley instead of quick-cooking?
A: Yes, you can substitute regular pearl barley, but you will need to increase the cooking time significantly to 25-30 minutes for a tender texture.
Q: Can I cook quick-cooking barley in a microwave?
A: Yes, it is possible to cook quick-cooking barley in a microwave. Package directions often provide specific instructions, with some recipes showing it can be done in about 15 minutes.
Q: Is quick-cooking barley good for soups?
A: Yes, quick-cooking barley is an excellent addition to soups and stews, providing a hearty, chewy texture without requiring a long simmer time.
Q: Is Quaker Quick Barley the same as Mother's Quick Cooking Barley?
A: Yes, Mother's Quick Cooking Barley is distributed by the Quaker Oats Company, making them essentially the same product.
