Would I be correct in supposing that this barley is similar to
pearl tapioca? (See second body paragraph.) If so, then the name most likely has had - at some point - something to do with the process. Specifically, this tapioca (or barley) has undergone the
pearling process, so it can now be referred to as
pearled to use the participle, and also
pearl from describing its new shape.
It's just a thought, and although it doesn't really sway the issue, it has made me quite hungry for some tapioca...and possibly some of your soup, Father!
