Indigenous to Europe, barley was the most important bread grain of the ancient Hebrews, Greeks and Romans. In fact, it was so valued that it was actually used as a form of currency in the Sumarian civilization. Although it is best known as a grain, barley water (or barley juice) has powerful immune and energy boosting properties.

Step-by-step guide for your own barley:

• Barley should be sown in autumn in well dug, composted soil that receives plenty of sun.
• Rinse and soak barley seeds overnight for best results. Scatter the seed evenly over the soil and then carefully rake it in.
• Water the soil well until the first green grass shoots appear. Thereafter, water once or twice a week.
• Your barley will be ready for harvesting in spring. Pull up handfuls of the shoots and combine them with fresh fruit in a juice extractor for a highly nutritious drink.

Did you know? In Chinese medicine barley water is used to treat jaundice, diabetes, high cholesterol and to clear the body of fatty deposits.