Barley Begins…
Barley is an ancient grain that originated in Ethiopia and Southeast Asia, and has been cultivated for more than 10,000 years to feed both animals and humans, as well as make alcoholic beverages. As far back as ancient Greek and Egyptian culture, barley served as a staple bread-making grain, and an important source of nutrition for Greek and Roman athletes, as well as Roman gladiators.
In the 16th century, the Spanish introduced barley to South America, while the English and Dutch settlers of the 17th century brought it with them to the United States. Presently, barley is grown around the world, but its leading exporters are the European Union, Australia and Canada. In Canada, the major growing areas are Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, but Alberta farmers produce more than five million tonnes of barley each year, which is ab...Read More >>
