{"id":453,"date":"2022-10-13T11:29:40","date_gmt":"2022-10-13T11:29:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kitchendodo.com\/?p=453"},"modified":"2022-11-15T19:46:11","modified_gmt":"2022-11-15T19:46:11","slug":"does-barley-go-bad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kitchendodo.com\/does-barley-go-bad\/","title":{"rendered":"Does Barley Go Bad? How To Extend Its Shelf Life?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you confused about whether that package of barley in your cabinet has gone bad? Like any other food grain, barley has a best before, after which its quality will deteriorate. Storing it in bulk will only lead to wastage. Especially if you live in a hot and humid region, heat<\/strong>, moisture<\/strong>, and bacteria<\/strong> will hamper the taste, texture, and quality of your grains with time.<\/p>\n

Therefore, the sooner you consume barley, the better it will be in taste and quality. So it is a wise idea to store it in small quantities and save your money and energy!<\/p>\n

In this article, we will tell you if barley goes bad, how to increase the shelf life of your cooked and uncooked barley, and the 4 signs it has expired<\/strong>. So let’s get started!<\/p>\n

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How Long Does Barley Last?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

How long your barley will last depends on whether it is cooked or uncooked. Let’s take a closer look at:<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0Uncooked barley<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Uncooked-barley\"<\/p>\n

For around 1 <\/strong>to 2<\/strong> years, your uncooked barley will remain at its best quality if you keep it at room temperature<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Moreover, If you have not opened your barley package and stored it properly, it can be fit for consumption for up to 3<\/strong> years.<\/p>\n

However, once opened, barley will last in your kitchen cabinet for around 12<\/strong> to 18<\/strong> months before going bad.<\/p>\n

Even after the best before date, your packaged barley can be consumed for up to 3 <\/strong>months.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cooked barley<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"Cooked-barley\"<\/p>\n

Like other cooked foods, the shelf life of cooked barley will also be shorter than that of uncooked barley. Moreover, at room temperature, it could last for just 24<\/strong> hours.<\/p>\n

But don’t worry! Your cooked barley can last as long as a week in the fridge and a month in the freezer.<\/p>\n

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4 Simple Ways To Identify If Your Barley Has Gone Bad:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

We have enlisted below 4 simple but foolproof ways to determine whether your barley is fit for consumption:<\/p>\n

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Look at its color<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With time, discoloration will occur in barley grains due to bacteria and moisture. Hence, if you notice that your barley has gown brown, it can be a sign that it has exceeded its ‘best before’\/’best by’ date.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Smell it<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"smell\"<\/p>\n

Another way of identifying whether you barely have spoiled is to smell it. If you notice a rancid smell coming from your barely, tossing off!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Look at its texture<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Due to moisture, your barley can get spoilt and become a breeding ground for insects and worms. Take a handful of barley kernels and carefully examine them. If you notice mold growth or tiny bugs on them, it’s time to stop consuming them immediately!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Taste it<\/strong><\/h3>\n

\"tasting\"<\/p>\n

This is the last step to determine if your barley has gone bad. If you don\u2019t find any signs of mold growth, insects, or a foul odor from your barley, chew a few kernels. If they develop an unusual taste, throw it away.<\/p>\n

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What Happens When You Eat Expired Barley?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"Expired\"<\/p>\n

While you may not get seriously ill by consuming expired barley, it can ruin the taste of your recipe.<\/p>\n

The reason behind this is that expired barley develops a foul smell and tastes bad, which will manifest itself in your dishes.<\/p>\n

Moreover, expired barley will lose many vital nutrients, making it less healthy.<\/p>\n

While even after the expiry date, your packaged barley can be consumed for up to 3<\/strong> months, we recommend you to consume it as soon as possible.<\/p>\n

The earlier you consume it, the better it will be in nutritional content!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u00a0The Best Way To Store Barley<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Now that you know the average shelf life of cooked and uncooked barley let’s learn how to store them and elongate their self-life.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Uncooked Barley<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Follow these tips to increase the shelf life of uncooked barley:<\/p>\n