The two most common varieties of barley are pearl barley and hulled barley or barley groats. Hulled barley is the whole grain version where only the toughest outer hull is removed. This type of barley is more nutritious and has more protein and fiber, but it takes longer to cook. Pearl barley is still nutritious and a good source of fiber, but less so than barley groats because the hull and bran have been removed. The polished grain cooks faster, and is the most common type of barley.