Job's Tears: 5 Quick Ways to Use These in Cooking

Job's Tears (薏苡仁), also known as Coix Seeds, Yi Yi Ren or Chinese pearl barley, is one of the most popular food herbs used across China, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Malaysia. Due to their versatility, they are a fantastic ingredient in many cooking dishes. From a tasty morning porridge to a delightful summer soup, it is easy to use Job's Tears in everyday recipes. Here are 5 quick ways to use Job's Tears in cooking.

What are Job's Tears?

With a rather unique name, the Job's Tears plant is a type of branched grass with broad leaves. The seeds that grow on this are shaped like tears and come in purple, white, brown and yellow forms. The name itself derives from the Old Testament in the Bible, whereby an unnamed biblical man endured great suffering, with the pearl-like drops bearing resemblance to his sorrow — not the cheery story you probably expected! They have been historically used in some cultures as beads to make jewellery. The seeds have hard shells which can be polished easily, with a hole in the centre which makes them ideal for beading purposes.

How Can I Use These In Everyday Cooking?

Here are 5 quick ways to use Job's Tears in everyday dishes, even for those who avoid the kitchen at all costs.

1) Job's Tears & Jujube Morning Porridge

Adding these two simple ingredients to your morning bowl can give you a great start to the day. Here's how to make it. What You'll Need

• 1/4 cup of coix seeds
• 1/2 cup of sweet rice
• 5 cups of water
• 2 cups of water (for boiling)
• 3 big jujube dates (for rehydrating)
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Method

1. Boil the 2 cups of water in a pan, then add the 3 big jujube dates.
2. Allow them to soak and rehydrate for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Once rehydrated, remove from the water and rinse with cold water, allowing them to cool.
4. Put the coix seeds, sweet rice, water and rehydrated jujube dates in a pot and cook until the mixture thickens.
5. Add a pinch of salt to season the mixture.
6. Once combined, remove from heat and allow to stand for 1 minute.
7. Serve and enjoy!

2) Coconut Milk & Job's Tears

Refreshing and light, this is a great option first thing in the morning. What You'll Need

• 1/4 cup of coix seeds
• 1/2 cup of coconut milk
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Method

1. Pour the coconut milk into a mixing bowl, then add the coix seeds on top.
2. Stir until well mixed.
3. Add a pinch of salt for seasoning if required.
4. Transfer to a glass, then serve and enjoy!

3) Sweet Mung Bean & Job's Tears Soup

Two simple ingredients come together to make a warming and satisfying soup. What You'll Need

• 1/2 cup of coix seeds
• 1/2 cup of green mung beans
• 6 pieces of rock sugar
• Rice cooker
• 1 cup of water

Method

1. Wash the green mung beans and coix seeds, then place them into the inner pot of your rice cooker.
2. Add the cup of water to the mixture.
3. Turn on the 'soup' function of your rice cooker and allow the ingredients to cook.
4. Once boiling, add the rock sugar and stir gently to allow this to melt in the pot.
5. Transfer to a soup bowl, serve, and enjoy!

4) Job's Tears, Soya Beans & Coconut Herbal Tea

Three easy ingredients that add a new dimension to your daily cup. What You'll Need

• 1 tbsp of coix seeds
• 1 tbsp of soya beans
• 1 tbsp of shredded coconut
• 1 teabag (of your choice)
• Dash of milk
• 1 cup of water

Method

1. Add the coix seeds, soya beans and shredded coconut into a cup and add boiling water.
2. Allow the mixture to steep for 3 minutes.
3. Add your teabag of choice and mix for a further 1 minute.
4. Pour in a dash of milk and stir to combine all ingredients.
5. Keep the herbs in or remove once mixed (your choice).
6. Serve and enjoy!

5) Job's Tears Powder (for Smoothies, Shakes, etc.)

A versatile powder you can add to smoothies, shakes, or protein drinks. What You'll Need

• 1 cup of coix seeds
• 1 blender or wall-breaker machine

Method

1. Heat the coix seeds in a frying pan and continue to simmer until they start to turn yellow.
2. Once cooked, allow to cool for around 1 minute.
3. Pour the cooked coix seeds into your blender.
4. Select the 'smooth ice' or 'blend well' function.
5. Blend until powdered.
6. Remove and add to any smoothie, protein drink, or glass of water.

What Are The Benefits Of Consuming Job's Tears?

Job's Tears are naturally rich in fibre, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. As part of a varied, balanced diet, they may support general wellbeing. In addition, Job's Tears are suitable for vegans and are gluten-free.

How Can I Get Hold of Job's Tears?

Job's Tears are available in two sizes from Vita Herbal Nutrition:

• Job's Tears 薏苡仁 (Coix Seeds / Yi Yi Ren / Chinese Pearl Barley) | 500g
• Job's Tears 薏苡仁 (Coix Seeds / Yi Yi Ren / Chinese Pearl Barley) | 100g

You can also browse our full range of Daodi Culinary Herbs for more traditional Chinese ingredients to cook with.

Summary

Now that you have some ideas for how to use this versatile herb, why not pick up a pack and get cooking? Shop DaoDi Culinary Herbs Here For any further queries regarding our natural herbal supplements or any of our products, please email info@vitaherbalnutrition.com and we'll be happy to help.

Important: These are food supplements, not medicines, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Enjoy as part of a varied, balanced diet. If you have a medical condition, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or take medication, speak to your GP before use.