🌿 FoodIsMedicines
Grains, Beans & Seeds

Job’s Tears (Adlay / Yi Yi Ren)

Coix lacryma-jobi · Yì Yǐ Rén Cooling

Chewy pearl-shaped grain with resistant starch and coixanol — swapped for rice in light summer congee.

Job’s tears, or adlay millet, are chewy, pearl-shaped grains cooked like barley in congee, soups and teas across East and Southeast Asia. They provide resistant starch, protein and a distinctive group of compounds called coixanols.

Nutrition Highlights

  • ✓Contains coixanols and coix seed oil
  • ✓Good source of plant protein and magnesium
  • ✓Resistant-starch grain with a chewy bite
  • ✓Traditional light grain for summer congee

Everyday Food Uses

  • ●Cooked 50/50 with rice in light congee
  • ●Simmered with red beans in a classic sweet soup
  • ●Toasted and brewed as a nutty grain tea
  • ●Added to vegetable soups and grain bowls

How to Enjoy

20–50g dried grain, rinsed and soaked 1 hour, then cooked like rice (about 40 minutes). Lightly toasting first deepens flavour.

Modern Research

Adlay polysaccharides, ferulic acid and coixanols are investigated for anti-inflammatory and skin-related effects; the grain remains a valued whole-food staple across Asia.

⚠ Cautions

Traditionally avoided in large amounts during early pregnancy; enjoy as an ordinary rotation grain rather than a daily concentrate.

🛒 Shop This Ingredient

🍳 Recipes With This Ingredient

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Job’s Tears (Adlay / Yi Yi Ren)? +

Job’s tears, or adlay millet, are chewy, pearl-shaped grains cooked like barley in congee, soups and teas across East and Southeast Asia. They provide resistant starch, protein and a distinctive group of compounds called coixanols.

Job’s Tears (Adlay / Yi Yi Ren) How do I eat? +

20–50g dried grain, rinsed and soaked 1 hour, then cooked like rice (about 40 minutes). Lightly toasting first deepens flavour.

Are there cautions for Job’s Tears (Adlay / Yi Yi Ren)? +

Traditionally avoided in large amounts during early pregnancy; enjoy as an ordinary rotation grain rather than a daily concentrate.

Where can I buy Job’s Tears (Adlay / Yi Yi Ren)? +

Browse the related products on this page — packed fresh and shipped worldwide with tracking.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Our products are ordinary foods and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Browse all ingredients