Zhitnica — Pearl Barley «Perlovka»

Polished whole barley with a satisfying chew — Ukrainian classic for proper rassolnik and hearty winter porridge.

UKRAINE   ·   ZHITNITSA   ·   800 g

What it is

Classic Russian/Ukrainian перловка — polished whole barley grain. Important to distinguish from yachka (the cracked grits made from the same crop): perlovka keeps its full kernel shape, takes much longer to cook, and gives the proper chew to a rassolnik pickled-cucumber soup, the bones of a hearty barley pilaf, or the body of a thick winter porridge.

From Ukrainian brand Zhitnica («Житница», meaning "granary") — sister product to their popular buckwheat. Single-ingredient, naturally fibre-rich, the kind of grain pantry staple your grandmother probably had on the shelf year-round.

How to cook

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil — at least 2 litres for the whole 80 g portion. Add the rinsed barley and simmer uncovered for about 40–50 minutes, until the grain is tender but still has a little bite. Drain. To shorten the cook, soak the rinsed grain in cold water for 1–2 hours beforehand. Stir into your soup pot, fold into pilaf, or finish with butter and a pinch of salt as a side dish.

Composition

100% pearl barley (перловая крупа — polished whole barley grain). Single ingredient, nothing added.

Per manufacturer (Zhitnica, Ukraine).

Nutrition (per 100 g, dry — typical)

Typical values for pearl barley — actual figures on the pack are definitive.

Allergens & storage

Contains: cereals containing gluten — barley. No other statutory allergens declared.

Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the pack sealed once opened. Shelf life approximately 18 months from the date on the bag.

Net weight: 800 g  ·  Made by: Zhitnica («Житница»), Ukraine

A grain that takes its time — and pays you back in chew, body and a proper bowl of soup.