I like it when the flakes do not boil soft in the muck, but remain tight, in flakes fast preparation anything useful, IMHO, no. These barley flakes just fabulous: the dense and very tasty. I mix several types of c / s flakes (oat, rye, barley), add oatmeal (oatmeal or buckwheat), flax cereal, pour boiling water for the night. In the morning a few drops drip Stevia liquid and cook in a microwave oven 1.5 minutes. Porridge turns out superb, very tasty, hearty and healthy.