According to the Bible Pearl Barley was an important grain for the Egyptians and Hebrews. Once used as a form of barter, it's origins are again contested between Africa and Asia but many believe it came from China. Pearl Barley is a key ingredient in Beer and can be used in breads, porridges and other staple foods. Storage Advantage: This product is packaged in a poly bucket which is flushed with Nitrogen. Storing your food in a cool and dry environment along with nitrogen packing insures living organisms can not survive and provides maximum shelf life. Oxygen absorbers are helpful but they can only absorb a set amount of oxygen before the absorbtion chemical expires. Nitrogen will remain in the bucket until it is emptied.