Hey everyone! Today I wanted to share with you some really useful information on the importance of Barley as a superfood, as well as introduce a very exciting concept that involves a restaurant that’s centred around the ingredients of Barley & Beer (and yes, it IS a healthy one!).
As you can imagine, ever since I was first introduced to this idea I’ve been excited to share it with you. I mean for anyone who loves beer and just being healthy, is going to LOVE this restaurant! It’s called The Barley Beerstro and the menu has been designed by farmer and TV presenter, Jimmy Doherty.
Within this post I get the opportunity to introduce you food and fitness-lovers to the main details about the restaurant and how you can win the chance to actually attend the launch on the 8th August.
Before we get to that though I wanted to first talk about Barley as a superfood and why we should all be consuming more of this exceptional grain.
Jimmy Doherty
Barley – The Superfood
Barley is one of the oldest grains on the planet and was actually used in Ancient Greece to boost the diet of their gladiators. It’s highly rich in fibre and contains twice the amount of protein that we find in Oats, but with half the calories!
Barley contains a soluble fibre known as ‘beta-glucan’ and when it’s combined with water, it really aids in the digestion process, and although this is also contained in other grains, barley contains the richest source of beta-glucan which can also help control blood sugar levels in the body.
It also contains 8 essential amino acids, as well as a number of vitamins from the B group which are centred around protecting the body’s nerve and blood cells, keeping the nervous system healthy. It was even used in the 16th century as a form of currency!
Barley has a long-standing British heritage as well. In fact we’re the 5th biggest supplier of barley in the world today! It can be found in numerous foods such as Malt Vinegar & Beer, which brings me on to what this campaign is really all about.
The Campaign
AB InBev is the largest brewer in the world and makes a variety of drinks that the UK really adores! Their product range includes Stella Artois, Boddingtons, Budweiser & Corona. The company has recently teamed up with Jimmy Doherty who you’ll recognise from shows like Food Unwrapped as well as Jamie & Jimmy’s Friday Night Feast on Channel 4.
The campaign is a really unique concept and celebrates the wonderful relationship between barley and beer through a new six-course tasting menu that’s been created by Jimmy himself. It celebrates the use of barley, as well as using beer as an additional main ingredient that’s often overlooked when it comes to cooking.
Beer actually contains less calories per glass than wine, as well as the majority of fruit juices! So it can really be classed not only as a great-tasting drink, but as a premium, healthy one that’s suitable for both genders as part of a healthy lifestyle.
So each one of these six dishes is made using barley and paired with the flavour profiles of one of the AB InBev beers including Stella Artois, Boddingtons and many others!
For me, this is something I’ve been looking forward to trying out ever since I first heard about it. I mean for anyone who loves a cold, fresh beer and who cares about their health, you really are in for a wonderful experience!
As I mentioned earlier, the restaurant is known as “The Barley Beerstro” and you can visit their website by clicking here.
Bekoji, Ethiopia
I think you now know by now why I’m so excited about this concept, however if you’re still not convinced as to the real health benefits of Barley & Beer then let me tell you about the tiny village of Bekoji in Ethiopia.
They have produced 26 world champion runners and hold 10 world records. They have won more medals than some actual countries with 16 Olympic Gold Medals to their name in the past 20 years. Not bad for a small village!
How? Well according to their coach, “they have a rich diet based on Barley which gives them strength and energy” – they even celebrate their victories with a beer that again also comes from barley!
Check out the video right here!
So I hope the concept of Barley as a superfood and the health benefits of Beer have really helped make it clear as to why I’m so excited about The Barley Beerstro. I’ll soon be giving away tickets to the main event on the 8th August at Jimmy’s Farm, so stay tuned for details on how to win them and be part of this amazing event!
Adam
Disclaimer – For writing about this campaign I received a commission, however all opinions expressed are my own.
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