Pearl barley refers to covered barley that has been processed to remove the tough inedible outer hull and then pearled or polished. Barley may be pearled to varying degrees and labeled as regular, medium, fine or baby pearl. Pearl barley may also be called blocked, pot or scotch barley. Pearl barley is available in several forms; however, kernels or berries (pictured at right) are the most common. But pearl barley may also be purchased flaked, cut (grits) and ground (meal or flour).