Barley tea is an infusion based on roasted grains made from barley. It is not a drink exclusive to Japan, and it is also frequently consumed in countries such as Korea and China.
What is its uniqueness?
For many people, its bitter and slightly dry taste makes barley tea their favorite drink. In addition, in Japan it is usually consumed a lot in summer, as it is considered a highly refreshing drink that can help you combat the high temperatures experienced in Japan during the summer.
How to buy barley tea?
Basically, its sales increase considerably in summer, so it is very easy to find it in vending machines or in any supermarket. In fact, if you go on the train in July and August, it is not difficult to see many people drinking barley tea in packaged bottles. The other way to consume it is using traditional tea bags. However, these bags are usually larger, so usually people brew them with 1 or 2-liter water and letting it rest in the refrigerator until it reach the right temperature.
It has become my favorite drink
Not only in summer, but I also like to drink barley tea in winter. I have recently started using tea bags in a two-liter bottle, which I leave inside the fridge for a few hours so I can drink it cold, which helps considerably to combat the long hot days in Japan.
