History of Barley
Hordeum valgar, more
commonly know as barley is one of the most ancient of all types of
crops. Around 8,000 B.C. Hordeum valgar was domesticated
in Mesopotamia, from its wild relative Hordeum spontaneum.
The two grasses are very closely related, the main difference is the
spikes that hold the seeds. Hordeum valgar spikes are far
less brittle and do not break as easy. This modification helps
with collection of grains, and for Hordeum spontaneum, the
brittle spikes aid in distribution of seeds.
Today, barley is mainly used as a
feed for animals. It is also used for human consumption and in
malting.