"Mistakes are the Portals of Discovery..."

I just thought a nice quote from James Joyce would be fitting. Winter is grasping us in the early days of March, so I have had little time to write. I originally had written a rather lengthy piece on the shamrock and its history, but then I couldn't get one of my favorite songs out of my head, and figured it was time to write about another of my favorite plants; Barley!

Clancy Brothers, a favorite of mine.

Barley, according to Faostat, is one of the top five most produced grains globally. It is also one of the oldest domesticated crops, as there are signs of barley cultivation over 5,000 years ago. Heck, even Roman Gladiators ate barley believing it gave them unmatched strength, a fact anyone who has enjoyed the juice of the barley can attest! This grain is a staple in diets around the world, for people and animals, as it is also used as a main ingredient for livestock feed. I personally have never grown barley, but have known some people to grow it as an ornamental and as a source for home brewing right here is Missouri!

Some barley, blowing in the wind...

If you get a chance with St. Patrick's Day just around the bend, please enjoy yourself some barley bread or a barley beverage. Until then, I'll see you outside. Sláinte!