Bere Barley

Bere Barley, known scientifically as Hordeum vulgare L., is celebrated as Britain's oldest continuously cultivated cereal. Rich in history from regions such as Orkney, Scotland, and the Highlands and Islands, this ancient grain carries a legacy of resilience and cultural significance. This collection pays tribute to a unique landrace that has adapted over centuries to thrive in challenging conditions.

Key Features

• Adaptation to demanding environments – Bere Barley thrives in acidic soils and brief growing seasons, often reaching maturity in just 90 days.
• Natural resilience – It demonstrates robust disease resistance, early flowering, and remarkable tolerance to both manganese deficiency and salinity stress.
• Versatile applications – Ideal for traditional milling and malting, Bere Barley is increasingly sought after for high-value food and drink products.

Modern research is now merging traditional knowledge with sustainable agricultural practices to revitalise Bere Barley. Initiatives focus on preserving its heritage while exploring its potential to develop resilient barley varieties for future challenges. This balance of history and modern innovation ensures that Bere Barley remains both a cherished relic and a promising resource for tomorrow's culinary and beverage trends.

Discover the rich narrative and practical versatility of Bere Barley by exploring our curated collection. For further inspiration, have a look at our
bruichladdich collection and embark on a journey through time and taste.