Lemon & Ginger Barley Water
Barley is a good source of fibre, is high in magnesium and with its diuretic properties it is good for kidney cleansing and digestive health.
Pearl Barley is polished off and has significantly less nutrients, however it is still a beneficial addition to the diet and is less chewy and much quicker to cook. In ancient times it was believed that barley water helped clear up the skin and prevent the formation of wrinkles!
If you have only ever tried the bottled syrup varieties of barley water you should be pleasantly surprised by the classic taste and satisfaction of your own made version.
Make your own Lemon & Ginger Barley Water...
Boil two tablespoons of pearl barley and 1.5l of water in a saucepan. Add 50g of fresh peeled and sliced ginger and simmer for thirty minutes.
Strain into a cafetiere to remove the barley and ginger pieces. Stir in two teaspoons of sugar and add the zest and juice of one large lemon.
Allow to cool, plunge the cafetiere, chill, then serve over ice and decorate with a curl of lemon peel.