This popular grain crop is widely used for both food and feed purposes. It contains almost no antinutrients and is a valuable source of good fiber. Barley is used in milling and confectionary industries, to produce ersatz coffee and various groats (pearl barley groats, barley groats). Barley is an initial product for breweries and spirit distilleries. Two-row varieties of barley with large, even kernels, low hull content and high germination energy are especially valuable to produce malt.
The quality of barley for food purposes is regulated by GOST 28672-90.
The characteristics of barley for feed purposes are specified by GOST 53900-2010.