Dried Barley Grain (Mai Ya Chao) | (500g)

About

Dried Barley Grain, also known as Mai Ya Chao, has been valued in traditional practices for generations. Carefully roasted to bring out its rich, nutty flavour, this ingredient is often brewed into a warming infusion or used in various food preparations.

Mai Ya Chao may be enjoyed as part of a balanced approach to nourishment, complementing daily routines with its comforting qualities whether sipped as a tea or included in mindful eating habits.

Potential Benefits

Traditional Use: Roasted barley grain is valued in Chinese herbal practice and is traditionally enjoyed after meals as a warm infusion.

Seasonal Use: Barley tea and barley water are often enjoyed chilled during the warmer months.

Natural Compounds: Dried Barley Grain naturally contains soluble fibre.

Daily Routine: Roasted barley is often enjoyed as part of a balanced daily diet, whether brewed or cooked.

Nourishment: Dried Barley Grain naturally contains dietary fibre, B vitamins, and minerals including manganese, selenium and magnesium.

Recommended Dosage

We recommend around 10g per portion.

Here are some suggestions on how to use Mai Ya Chao:

Culinary applications: Dried Barley Grain can be used in cooking to add texture and flavour to various dishes. It is commonly used in soups, stews, porridges, and salads. Barley grains can be cooked and used as a side dish or mixed with other ingredients for a potentially nutritious and filling meal.

Barley tea: This can be used to make barley tea, also known as roasted barley tea or barley water. Barley tea is a popular beverage in many Asian countries and is enjoyed for its unique roasted flavour. It can be served hot or cold and is often consumed as a refreshing and caffeine-free alternative to traditional teas.

Brewing alcohol: Barley is a common ingredient in the production of alcoholic beverages, such as beer and whiskey. Dried barley grains can be used in the brewing process to provide fermentable sugars, contributing to the flavour and alcohol content of the final product.

Animal feed: This herb is commonly used as a component in animal feed, particularly for livestock like cattle, sheep, and poultry. It may provide essential nutrients and energy for animals and is a cost-effective feed option.

Before using Dried Barley Grain, ensure it is properly cleaned and prepared according to the desired application. If you have any specific dietary requirements or concerns, it's advisable to consult with a professional or nutritionist for guidance on incorporating this herb into your diet.

Traditional Pairings

Mai Ya is one of three roasted ingredients traditionally used together. The other two are stocked here:

• Dried Hawthorn Berries (Shan Zha) | 100g tart and fruity, the best known of the three
• Dried Medicated Leaven (Shen Qu) | 500g a fermented preparation, the third of the group

Mai Ya is also commonly paired with Dried Rice Sprouts (Gu Ya Chao), the rice equivalent of sprouted barley, and with Dried Orange Peel (Chen Pi).

Other Grains in the Range

• Dried Coix Seeds (Yi Yi Ren) | 500g also sold as Chinese pearl barley, though it is not a true barley
• Dried Wheat Berry (Fu Xiao Mai) | 500g the light wheat grain, used differently from barley

Browse the full dispensary range in our Dried Herbs & Botanicals collection.

Why Choose Vita?

Every herb we sell at Vita Herbal Nutrition is non-sulphur treated and chosen for use in the kitchen and in traditional preparation.

We proudly offer a 100% sulphur-free range of herbs. While many others use sulphur to improve appearance and extend shelf life, we avoid this process because it can alter the herb’s natural composition and may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. You can read more on our non-sulphur treated herbs page.

We follow the DaoDi principle of choosing each herb from the area traditionally associated with it, and we have worked with the same supply partners since 2010.

FAQ

How is Dried Barley Grain used?
It can be brewed into a soothing tea, added to broths, or used in recipes to complement daily nourishment.

How is Mai Ya Chao enjoyed with meals?
Barley grain is often enjoyed as part of a varied diet, brewed as a tea or cooked into meals.

Can roasted barley tea be enjoyed in the evening?
Yes. Mai Ya Chao can be a gentle addition to moments of rest and unwinding, particularly when brewed into a warm infusion.

How is barley grain valued in traditional food culture?
It plays a role in traditional food culture and is often included in daily nourishment.

Can Barley Tea be enjoyed regularly?
Yes. The grain can be enjoyed as part of a balanced lifestyle, and many people drink barley tea as a refreshing everyday drink.

What does the "Chao" in Mai Ya Chao mean?
It refers to the roasting. Chao indicates the grain has been dry-roasted, which is what gives it the darker colour and the nutty aroma when brewed.

Is this the same as Chinese pearl barley?
No. Coix seeds (Yi Yi Ren) are often sold as Chinese pearl barley, but they come from a different plant and are used differently.