Job's tears

Coix lacryma-jobi

grain

Large pearly seeds of a grass of damp places in Southeast Asia, gluten-free, nutty, between barley and rice; in soups, porridge or tea. They provide fibre and starch.

Origin

Southeast Asia

Season (United States)

all year round

Preparation

They are bought hulled: rinsed, they soak overnight then cook for about an hour, in soups, porridge or like rice. The hard beads with a shiny shell are not eaten. Soaking, sprouting or sourdough bring its phytates down — and release the zinc and iron they were holding.

Molecules

Resistant starch RS1 · Insoluble fibersIn small amounts, not counted ArabinoxylansWhat slows things down Phytates

Did you know?

Its teardrop-shaped seeds were used as rosary beads; it is sometimes sold as “Chinese pearl barley”, but it is not barley.