#63 Gopal Barley

Let's try this again. That's what I get for not reviewing my video before posting. I had two videos together.

This is one of my favorite varieties. This is what Kusa Seed Society says about it.

Gopal is a spring growth-habit, two-row, naked-barley from India with very interesting properties and attributes. Gopal’s two-row heads are of delicate structure and are graced by long, beautiful awns that averaged 7inches in length in the Kusa Seed organization grow-outs. The crop is not tall and the stems are not strong, therefore be prepared to provide supplemental support against lodging (you’ll thank yourself for every minute invested in this crop). The glumes and grains of Gopal are purple at maturity; richly pigmented with anthocyanic compounds (“anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, antiviral; they are found to reduce cholesterol, promote connective tissue regeneration, stimulate collagen formation, improve circulation, enhance vision, boost immune function and reduce inflammation” —Botanical Preservation Corps. The pigments are also thought to be linked to a plant’s ability to germinate its seeds under cold temperatures). A deep, richly-pigmented, water-extract of the grains can readily be prepared (simply by soaking the kernels in water) which contains health-safe natural dyes, safe for food-coloring, fabrics, and as a medicinal beverage. Gopal is a culinary oddity. Not only do the grains have a magical, deeply exotic, health-safe coloration, they also upon contact with moisture, discharge the aroma (scent) of ripe, sun-warmed blackberries (sweet, dense and summery) along with an accompanying taste-note (flavor) that is aptly described as “fruity.” This is a grain that no one else on your block is likely to yet own. This faculty member, with an impressive background and credentials, can be your very own heirloom variety. A really beautiful, 2-row food-barley; a grain to get to know better.

https://www.ancientcerealgrains.org/seedandliteraturecatalog1.html