What is the difference between wheat and barley?

Answer by  wennifred (597)

They're completely different plants, though the growth is similar. Barley is generally perceived as tougher and with a stronger taste and texture than wheat, and of course barley is used to make beer more often than is wheat.

Answer by  drJ (841)

Barley and wheat are two different types of grains. Whole grain barley is higher in fiber than whole grain wheat. "Pearled" barley can be cooked whole like rice, while wheat must be milled before use. Both grains, however, contain gluten and must be avoided by people with celiac's disease (gluten allergy).

Answer by  Sasha79 (30)

Barley is a tougher breed of grass than wheat. When consumed, barley has a higher fiber content while wheat is more palatable to the western world.

Answer by  Anonymous

Barley has a differen "spike" and "rachis" than wheat, and that is the main difference, except for their tolerance of soils. Barley grows in poorer soils than wheat can tolerate, and with less water. Barley has a nuttier flavor.

Answer by  John (9008)

Wheat and barley come from two different plants. Both are grains, and look similar, but they are two totally different plants. Their flavors and uses are also rather different. Wheat is much more versatile and commonly used.

Answer by  Angela17 (697)

Barley is moostly used for animal feed and to brew, like beer. Winter Wheat has a longer beard (the wisps that hang down from it). Barley has shorter beard.

Answer by  Anonymous

Barley heads stand up straight on the stem when ripe, whereas Wheat heads bend over when ripe.