Barley Fuchok Drink

I like to boil barley water once in a while especially when the weather is very hot as I believe it has a cooling effect on the body. After some research, I discovered that the grains are rich in protein, vitamins, minerals and amino acids essential for our health.

Barley is also very rich in both soluble and insoluble fiber. The soluble fiber helps to lower blood LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol), stabilize blood glucose levels and reduce high blood pressure whilst the insoluble fiber aids in proper excretion of waste products in the body.

My recipe on the barley drink is made more nutritious by adding gingko, fuchok and red bamboo leaf.

Barley Fuchok Drink

100 gm barley pearls
4 red bamboo leaves
1 piece fuchok (beancurd skin in Cantonese)
20 pieces gingko
300 gm rock sugar
3 litre boiling water

1. Remove the shell, skin and stem of the gingko.


2. Rinse barley, bamboo leaves and fuchok (break into smaller pieces).


3. Put them with rock sugar, gingko and water into pressure cooker.


4. Boil over high flame till you can see the second red indicator ring.


5. Switch to very low heat and simmer for 20 minutes.


6. Remove from fire.


7. Serve hot or cold depending on preference.

p/s. If using normal pot, bring all the ingredients except the fuchok to a boil before letting it simmer over medium heat for 45 minutes. Add the fuchok and continue to boil for another 10-15 minutes.