My paternal grandmother used to brew homemade barley water for all us kids especially during the hot humid months.
It is made with pearled barley and the adults always say that it is good for children. It supposedly cool our bodies and prevent us from getting too heated.
In Singapore, We call this drink 薏米水 (yi mi water) which is actually not quite true because 薏米 (yi mi) is coix seeds or job's tears not barley. The more accurate name in chinese should be #22823;麦水 (da mai water).
I do not know how the English and Chinese names were mixed up but this mix up is quite prevalent in Singapore. Even the big drink manufacturers like Yeo's, Marigold label their barley drink packets as 薏米水.
I don't really like the manufactured barley drinks, it lacks a certain refreshing that only the homemade stuff has.
Adding a dash of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the drink or adding a slice of lemon before serving makes it tastier.
Ingredients200g pearl barley
100g candied winter melon
150g rock sugar
2 litres water
Directions
- Place the pearl barley, candied winter melon and water into a big pot and bring it to a boil
- Lower the heat and simmer everything on low heat for 45 minutes or until the water turns milky
- Add the rock sugar, stir until it melts
- Remove from heat and let it cool down before straining.
- You can save some of the pearl barley and add them back to the drink before serving. Do not leave the pearl barley in the water as it will expand and soak up the liquid
- Serve warm or chilled
Recipe link: Homemade barley water
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