
Job’s Tears
Job’s Tears
Ingredient Name:
Job’s Tears, Coixseed, Chinese Pearl Barley, Adlay
Traditional Chinese Name:
薏仁 (yì rén)
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- Job’s tears come from a grain-bearing plant native to East Asia and currently cultivated in most parts of the world
- It has a higher-than average protein to carbohydrate ratio than other grains
- In Asia, they are used in a medicinal fashion
- Some cultures also grind them down into a flour or use them to make beer
- Although it is known as “Chinese pearl barley”, it is not a part of the barley family
- When eaten, they have a warm, nutty, slightly sweet flavor
- Job’s tears can also be used to make tea in some parts of Asia
- A common ingredient used in soups that are made for the Spring season (to eliminate the wetness and extra moisture from the body)
- There are 2 types of barley: raw and fried, both are suitable for soups
- Dried Job’s tears can be purchased at most Asian grocery stores and some supermarket
How do I prepare it?
- Simply wash and put into your soups
- Some people will pre-soak in them water first, but this is up to you. I just rinse and drop them into my soup
- I will usually use about 2 tablespoons worth
Any benefits?
- According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, job’s tears can be used to treat internal dampness and damp-heat conditions, including disorders of the spleen, stomach, lungs, and large intestine. Specifically, it is used to treat conditions such as rheumatism
- Job’s tear are diuretic and used to promote urination and treat edema
- Some believe job’s tears can be used to treat joint pain
- It is also known as a mild sedative
Any precautions?
- No significant precautions although consuming too much may lead to dehydration.
Looking to build your basic Chinese Soup Pantry?
This is a great starter video to build our your basic Chinese soup pantry. A handful of these ingredients are actual amazing with one simple chicken. It’s your basic Chicken Herbal Soup here!