Barley is available in two forms: Scotch (hulled or pot) and pearl. Scotch barley has had only the outer husk removed and requires a long soaking period and 2 to 3 hours to cook. Pearl barley has been further refined by steaming and polishing—a process that removes the entire husk, leaving only the pearl or inner kernel. Pearl barley requires a shorter cooking time of about 30 minutes.