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Cooking & Baking

bucolic_frolic

(54,262 posts) Thu Jan 22, 2026, 07:59 PM Yesterday

I think my barley went bad [View all]

but not sure. It's 2 years 10 months past best by date. The grains are not exactly white, they are tan, and larger than the other bags of pearl barley I have. The cellophane wrapper was tight to the grain, but contracted, not swollen or bulged. They don't have an odor, not a rancid smell. My inclination is to toss them. I think this package just escaped my rotation system.

10 replies

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I think my barley went bad [View all] bucolic_frolic Yesterday OP

You could try sprouting some... buzzycrumbhunger Yesterday #1

I think you're right. I bought it in 2020 I believe, during the pandemic. bucolic_frolic Yesterday #2

Sprouting is a great idea for barley. What is your plan for the barley? littlemissmartypants Yesterday #4

I think I'll feed the birds bucolic_frolic Yesterday #5

There is an oven method for that. It might take some time to find a good one on line though. littlemissmartypants 13 hrs ago #10

if it isn't moldy or buggy it is fine. Kali Yesterday #3

If it doesn't smell bad, it's ok. Imo Easterncedar Yesterday #6

I always store mine in glass. Stays good longer. Clouds Passing Yesterday #7

Cook a little to see if it's stale, don't commit to a big soup only to find it's bad. That's pretty old Blues Heron Yesterday #8

Agree. bucolic_frolic Yesterday #9