Barley is a type of grain, just like rice or wheat. It's a really old plant that has been grown by people for thousands of years. Have you ever heard of the cereal called "Cheerios"? Well, one of the main ingredients in Cheerios is actually barley!
Farmers plant barley seeds in the ground and wait for them to grow. When the barley is ready, it looks like long sticks with little seeds attached to them. These seeds can be used to make all sorts of things like bread, beer, soup, and even candy!
Barley is a great source of fiber, which is something that helps you feel full and keeps your tummy happy. It's also packed with vitamins and minerals that help keep your body healthy. If you've ever heard of "whole grains," barley is one of them. Whole grains are really good for you because they have all the good stuff - like vitamins and fiber - that your body needs.
So, next time you have a bowl of Cheerios or a piece of bread, remember that it might have started as a little barley seed in the ground!