Hordeum vulgare Leaf Identity & Plant Part
The botanical entity is Hordeum vulgare L., cultivated barley of the grass family (Poaceae). The part used is the young green leaf, cut at the early leaf stage while it is still tender. Grain, husk, malt and root are not included in this barley grass extract. One species supplies very different ingredients depending on the part, so the leaf has to be named.
Three materials are traded under the word “barley”, and they are not interchangeable. Barley grass is the young leaf, used in greens blends. Barley grain, milled to flour, is a starchy cereal ingredient. Malt is germinated and kilned grain, with enzymatic activity and a sweet, toasted flavor. A specification that says only “barley” leaves open which one is meant.












