Barley is a cereal rich in starch and high-grade protein. Widely used in the food industry for the manufacture of cereals and animal feed. In addition, it is used in brewing as the main raw material. A detailed description of the culture and its varieties will help to create a more accurate picture of this cereal.

General description of barley

Barley is an annual plant. The stems are straight, without vegetation. The plant reaches a height of 30-60 cm. The length of varietal specimens is 90 cm. The leaves are wide and smooth, 2-3 cm wide and 30 cm long. The most valuable part of the plant is the ears of corn. They can have a hexagonal or tetrahedral shape, with a diameter of about 1.5 cm. The axis is flexible, solid. Spikelets are arranged in groups of 3 pieces. Each ear is fruitful.

The flowering period is in June-July. The plant is pollinated independently, however, cross-pollination is possible. Fruits in grains. Harvest ripens in July-August.

Barley grain composition:

• proteins - 15.8%;
• carbohydrates - 76%;
• fats - 9.6%;
• cellulose;
• enzymes;
• vitamins - B, D, E, A.

What are the types of barley

Depending on the purpose of the crop, certain types of the crop are grown. Barley ordinary has several cultivars.

Among these, the following are distinguished:

• two-row;
• multirow;
• intermediate.

Important! Only cultivars are suitable for use in the food industry, as well as for brewing.

Each species has its own characteristics and differences, so you should study in detail the characteristics of each of them.

Double row

This species is called "brewing." Its grains are large in size. Each seed is covered with a thin film, which guarantees the absence of harmful tannin components, which give the fruit a bitter taste. In such barley, a large number of useful extractive substances are preserved. Great for making beer.

The ears are arranged in two rows, which consist of the same in shape and size of grains. This uniform arrangement is explained by the fact that the fruits develop exclusively in the middle ear, on both sides of the stem.

Multirow

The multi-rowed species consists of three spikelets, each of which uniformly develops at the tops of the stems. Grains ripen healthy and whole. Barley of this type is hexagonal and tetrahedral. The difference between the varieties lies in the arrangement of spikelets.

In hexagonal barley, spikelets line up along the stem in six perfectly even rows. In tetrahedrals, in turn, the middle ones have the correct shape and large size, and the side ones are smaller. The shape is irregular. This species is the most common.

Intermediate

This variety differs from the others in the number and size of spikelets. So, on the tops of the stems from one to three ears can form. Accordingly, the number of grains will also be different. They are small and large, regular or irregular in shape. In Russia, such barley is not grown.

Did you know? Barley-based beer was prepared in the Neolithic era.

The best varieties of barley

Barley has many varieties. Varietal varieties are divided into winter and spring. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages and is grown for a specific purpose. For brewing, you should choose only the best and highest quality varieties. Next, we will talk about the most productive and suitable varieties for making a foamy drink.

Winter

Winter barley, in comparison with other cereal plants, is the most productive. So, on average, you can collect about 60-70 kg / ha. Winter crops are mainly fodder, and feed barley grain is of high quality. In addition to feed purposes, it is used in the food industry for the manufacture of flour, beer and even coffee.

Did you know? Barley promotes rapid muscle gain. It is known that this culture was included in the diet of the gladiators of ancient Rome.

The most productive and brewing varieties:

1. Strategist. The yield of this variety is 100 kg / ha. The plant is medium-sized, medium-late, has resistance to lodging. 1000 grains weigh about 40 g. Seeds contain protein - approximately 13.8%.
2. Farmhouse. The variety is mid-season, medium height, characterized by high productivity - about 100 c / ha. 1000 grains weigh approximately 43–45 g. The amount of protein in the fruit is 10%. The variety is resistant to frost and disease. It has high adaptability to environmental conditions.
3. Mirage. The plant is tall, reaches a length of 90 cm. The weight of 1000 seeds is 45 g. Ripens early, is resistant to drought. Frost resistance is average. Productivity is high - 60 kg / ha.
4. The basis. The plant reaches a height of 90-105 cm. 1000 grains weigh about 45 g. The variety is winter-hardy, resistant to diseases and pests. It does not crumble. Productivity is high - 70 kg / ha.
5. Cyclone. The height of the plant is 90 cm. 1000 seeds weigh 35 g. It has an average resistance to frost. Resistant to diseases and pests. Productivity is high, about 70 kg / ha.

Spring

The spring variety is highly resistant to drought. It has a large number of forms. Productivity and unpretentiousness of this culture explain its popularity. In Russia, spring barley is grown in almost all regions - from the southern to northern borders. Use it for the manufacture of cereals, flour and beer.

Important! When choosing a variety, it is necessary to take into account the climatic conditions in which the cultivation is planned.

The most productive and brewing varieties:

1. Helios. The variety has high drought tolerance and is recommended for cultivation in the steppe. Productivity is 90 kg / ha. It reaches a height of 80 cm. The length of the six-row spike is 10 cm. The grain has an oval, oblong shape. The weight of 1000 seeds is 50 g.
2. Prairie. The ear is two-row, of medium length. The variety is medium early, suitable for growing in the steppe. The weight of elastic grains (1000 pcs.) Equals 50 g. The variety is resistant to lodging. The crop is 60 kg / ha.
3. Grace. The plant is medium-sized, the spike is conical, and the grains are large. The weight of 1000 seeds is 50 g. On average, you can harvest up to 35 kg / ha.
4. Jaromir. The variety has medium resistance to lodging and drought. 1000 grains weigh 45 g. Fruits contain protein in an amount of 14%.
5. Margaret. The variety is fodder and suitable for cultivation in all regions of Russia. It has a very high yield - 7–8 t / ha. The weight of 1000 grains is 45 g. The plant is extremely resistant to lodging.

Barley is one of the most popular domestic crops. It is actively used in the food industry, in particular for the manufacture of beer. A variety of varieties allows you to choose the most productive and suitable specimens for cultivation in certain climatic conditions.